Credit for amazing edits goes to Fee5H!

New Dogs, Old Tricks

Intro 3

So you took a risk you shouldn't have...

I tried to warn you... everything comes at a price.

Talented... untalented... it's all the same.

At the end of the day, we exist to look out for number one.

So why are you still searching for someone to prove you wrong?

A Gambler's Opportunity

"'Selfishness is a sin. Those who are… talented… should use their skills to pull up the weak. It's their duty as Ultimates to build a better future for us. So… always keep helping others… okay, Ed?'"

Back then, I suppose the future was brighter somehow for him even in that dark time, when the ash ruled the sky and blood stained the roads we walked on. It's funny, then, knowing how little has changed. Minus the rotting smell, of course. The talented still run the world. Doctors, engineers, the best of the best.

To think this is the future he spoke of, where the survivors of that hellscape… the ones the people now call "Supremes"... are still at the very top, promising to help all those weaker in this world.

…What a load of shit.

To the elite, nothing matters but their future, because living is a purely selfish skill, a deal that should never be compromised for anybody. Doesn't matter if you're at the bottom of the barrel or a beacon of hope for humanity, we're all playing to win in our own make-believe games at the end of the day.

Given my years, it might be an obvious lesson to spew, but some have the nerve to still think they can change the world with their "selfless" devotion to their titles. And that girl Kokoro Takono was no exception, her harsh voice still ringing in my head as I stood in this mess of an airport.

'Jeez, having to be subjected to her rant… what a handful...' Even with new "talent" like her popping up, who boast about their importance, it's just a pity ticket from those morons at the GHA, and that girl especially seemed smitten by their message. 'Just as expected from the world's youngest to grovel over that. Do I have to keep seeing that stuck-up kid in the future?'

I initially approached her for just that purpose alone, to confirm if the letter flying from her little accident with that driver was the dreaded GHA invitation. And sure enough, I was right. That fiery kid somehow acquired their interest, nothing too surprising given her personality. The GHA loves kids with large egos, but on a normal day… it wouldn't have anything to do with me.

Unfortunately, something tells me with that invitation, I'd be seeing a lot more of her antics, as I sighed and double-checked a similar one in my own hand.

"To Eddie Orsino… the Supreme Level Casino Owner"

"We've seen your many accomplishments with the expansion of the Viridescent Eye, and have deemed you exceptionally worthy of teaching at the most prized program the Global Hope Association has to offer: the Sanctuary Of Talent Development Program at the prestigious institution, Golden Laurel Sanctuary."

"Your achievements as a Supreme Level have been met with great admiration from the world's top leaders. We anticipate your arrival as soon as possible, if you choose to accept the invitation, as you will be helping aid the youngest of our generation to hone their abilities to the fullest potential."

"This letter includes your travel ticket and a card for all necessary expenses for your journey. We can only hope to see you attend and bring up the future generation of Ultimates!"

"The Global Hope Association (GHA)"

Yep… it was real, alright. The GHA had finally caught up to me.

Given this was the fifth year they've tried to call, the false platitudes have become routine to read. Everyone hears about the nonsense the organization pulls for the top dogs of this world... those who truly made up for the disaster years ago. And now apparently I was one of them, but for all the wrong reasons. For all that work... all MY work to be summed up as a "Supreme Casino Owner" was more an insult than anything. I didn't need the remnants of that sham society to pull me back into a pointless dream.

But despite all temptation to throw out the invite again, I wasn't fortunate enough to brush past the ordeal this year. I stared down at the invitation again, frowning at the sticky note on top from that person... a small reminder of why I was there.

P.S. Ed - Don't forget our arrangement once you get to the sanctuary. We're counting on you for this. I'm counting on you… and you never break a promise, right?

How flattering of them to use him like this.

But even I know when it's a done deal… there was no way I could back out of this GHA nonsense even if I wanted to. After all that work I poured into my empire... the Viridescent Eye... I'd be forced to leave it for this crap. Of course, all my employees were happy I'd be leaving, I bet they'd be throwing a party knowing they could take it easy. But for Vicky... she seemed relieved I was trying something new, her excitement still lingering in my ear.

"I just know this is a big step for you... you're gonna do great dear. I promise to take care of everything while you're gone... so, please... try and lighten up, enjoy it~"

She'd always try and turn a light-hearted spin to this, and of course, everyone was excited for me, but the only thing I could think about was the GHA finding out about him.

"Just why did they bring that fucker back to rope me into this?" I muttered to no one really, not like anyone was paying attention in the mad airport. The only one that did try and keep a close ear was Constance, who struggled to hold more of my bags as he bumped behind me to avoid the multitude of people.

"Terribly sorry, sir…" Constance bowed with shame as he patted down his suit. "I had gotten the rest of the bags like you originally wanted from the limo… but I noticed you seemed troubled."

"Eh, it ain't nothing." I flew past the remark as I grabbed my suitcase, done in gold just like my outfit, which Vicky shamelessly picked out for me. "Just mulling over this Sanctuary… GHA crap. Nothing you need to concern yourself with. Your work would be better focused on the Viridescent Eye."

He seemed worried over the comment, I think… it's hard to tell with his wrinkles. He was an older fella, surpassing me actually, though he barely reached half my height or size, he was a stick in comparison. He appeared taller to normal folk with his stiff posture and slicked-back hair and wore his classic red suit and black vest like a professional assistant. For someone his age, he shouldn't really be working, but his insistence to help made him more of an asset than most.

"I'm glad my work is satisfactory, but I'll make sure the rest of the staff acclimate to the change of schedule, once I return. As for your wife?" His careful words faltered slightly, and I picked up on his small chuckle. Glad he still found some part of that miserable goodbye entertaining. "Any parting words you wish for me to relay to her?"

"I'll call her later." I shrugged, trying to get Vicky out of my mind.

"I mean... about the outfit she picked or you? She knows you won't call to tell her about that, so she asked me to get your input."

'Of course, she needed to know that bad.' I sighed at the thought, her elated smile flashing in my mind as she threw "casino related' clothes on me. "She should worry more about the Viridescent Eye than my outfit of the day."

"I'll... tell her you said it looked nice, sir." Constance tried to be forgiving, but the whole ensemble was just silly to me. The purple and pink lines on my vest were only meant to exaggerate my size, and the light blue royal pants gave off the vibe of a clown more than anything. But barking about it isn't exactly husband of the year material… so I bit my tongue over the matter.

"Sure, say whatever works to make her focus on what's important." Even if Vicky was... dramatic, she knew she had to keep the empire alive, but even one of her mistakes could cost me. I had to be more cautious than ever. "Just make sure no fuck-ups happen while I'm gone, Constance… any problems flare up, I want it disposed of immediately. Got it?"

"I understand. You have a very long list I will follow to a tee," he restated, probably to show he heard me the first few times. "As for you, sir, good luck with the teaching position. If it's anything like how you handled that girl-"

"You saw that?" I shook my head, it was a headache thinking about that Kokoro kid. The youngsters these days did a number on me… can't believe he witnessed it. "Listen, don't tell Vicky about that. She'd never let me live it down."

"Of course, sir, but may I offer… just the smallest bit of advice regarding you… teaching the new generation? I mean, this still is a great opportunity… I used to be a teacher myself, back in the day!"

"As I remember on your resume." A lecture from Constance sounds like just what I need while I'm leaving my casino in his old hands. "You seriously wanna part the old wisdom now of all times? I'm already late to this circus act coming up."

"Only because, out of everyone back at the Viridescent Eye, I know better that you probably didn't want to do this," he said quietly, becoming alarmingly sharp as he spoke. "Given your… history, I know, this must be harder for you having to work with the other… Supremes, but even so, you have many things you could teach the new Ultimates."

I laughed at the thought of being called a "Supreme". To think this world has come to that point, where the survivors were referred to in such ways. I simply sighed. "How sharp of you, this gig ain't for charity, as you so brilliantly pointed out, but I don't need to play it straight with these people. I'll just go in, do what they need, then head out. I don't need to do more than I got to."

"But I believe you have many things you could teach," Constance said quietly with a smile. "If Supremes are invited due to their impeccable ability to change society, then you clearly deserve the title. I've seen you build an empire out of nothing, and it truly was a miracle to witness. After that dark time during… the tragedy…" he looked for a reaction I didn't bother to give. "I think you could show new kids, like that girl, why it's important to remain indifferent to status and focus on work. On bettering your life and making something glorious out of it."

Constance paused for a second and then smiled wearily as he looked up at me, his eyes shining. "That's the reason why I've stood by you through all these years of service... to hopefully match your level of expertise one day because you can... be an inspiration."

His old eyes did something to me, and I could only force myself to look away. I knew what he was thinking. He figured this would be a great development for me after everything, but I truly couldn't care less about any of this… especially that aggravating girl. The world pumps new ultimates out every year, but none of their selfish antics mattered to me.

All that mattered... was my own dream, and nothing else.

"If you understand that much Constance, then you should know how important it is that you don't ruin anything while I'm gone," I reiterated, my voice growing so he wouldn't miss a single word, "you are one of my biggest assets, but you can quickly turn into a liability if you think I'm taking this program seriously. So, for both our sakes, turn your efforts into making sure none one fucks up while I'm gone. Nothing outside the Viridescent Eye matters. Is that clear?"

Something in my tone of voice darkened to make Constance pause uneasily. It's a shame, I don't have any hatred for the guy, but there's no inspiration here, not from THAT time, I can't let him convince me of that.

Thankfully, like a true assistant, Constance sensed this and recovered quickly. "I wouldn't dream of messing up, sir, as do the rest of your employees. We will take good care of things while you're gone. We promise the Viridescent Eye... will not fall."

"Then you know what to do. Just make sure to call when I'm up there with updates. You're dismissed with that, Constance."

He tipped his cap before he turned to leave. "Goodbye, Mr. Orsino. I do sincerely wish you luck... with this program." And with that, he officially drove off, joining the rest of the cluttered traffic... leaving me all alone.

I forced in a breath, rubbing the scar on my nose, as I tried to toughen up. To think he was seriously trying to give me advice to tutor kids like that Kokoro girl. The younger generation will never know the true struggle of life and death. Whatever it took, I had to get this over with fast. If I seriously left my business attended only by Constance and Vicky for a year, they'd fuck it over.

They meant well, sure, but they couldn't handle half the crap I did daily. So for their sake at least... I'd get back to them I suppose. But the empire came first above all else.

He came first above all else...

With that I headed to whatever terminal was sectioned off just for the GHA. Given their bizarre relevance still, their terminal would no doubt be the biggest one, separated from the economy class and all that crap, and sure enough I was right. The fancy-looking GHA terminal was split off from all other lines in the airport. Considering no one else was allowed here but Ultimate's, I didn't think anything over the fact that no one else was there.

However... I would think that kid from earlier would also be here since she marched away before me. Where is she?

Eh, she's probably already on the plane with the other teachers and students. I'd also have to interact with them at some point… and meet whatever kid I was supposed to teach... but a drink would do some good to make that eventual ordeal bearable.

As for actually getting to that plane, the attendant should've been here checking me in. But there's nothing. Seems the workers here pulled a vanishing act. Hell, even the security was gone. With this being an airport, it's beyond me where they, of all people, could be.

Was I supposed to be bothered to wait here? Maybe if I called the GHA up, I could spin this into something that would allow me to miss this whole program.

But that's when I heard it. A voice of genuine terror. "No! Let me go! UNHAND ME!"

With how quiet the space was, it'd be hard to ignore a scream like that, and it sounded annoyingly similar to that Kokoro kid. What the hell was that about? Is she shouting at some other schmuck… or was it something more serious?

Whatever the case, I figured it wasn't my problem, right? I could just turn around, find the security lazing around somewhere, and then let the sanctuary know of their poor customer service…

…but from the LONG shouting fit that kid subjected me to, I could tell that scream was clearly not one of anger. And now, honestly, the silence after was more concerning than the shout itself. But it didn't involve me. I knew exactly the type of kid she was, and I didn't want to get wrapped up in her internal struggle.

It wasn't my job to focus on her…

It wasn't…

"I want you to remember my face well, sir, for I'm going to lead a new society and bring sad people like you out of the gutters once I become a Supreme Level!"

…

Damnit, why was I thinking of that? Don't tell me Constance's words were getting to me. She was just being a brat then…

...so why… did she sound like him?

…

'…shit, I'm gonna regret this.'

Against better judgment, I cursed at myself and started to move toward the Student Hall where I heard the scream coming from. It might've been a pain to check, and honestly, my body was moving on its own, but clearly, something happened. I just had to be careful and get out quickly if it was nothing big.

But depending on what it was, it could get ugly fast.

With cautious steps, I could hear voices whispering to each other as the airport got further and further away. The isolation here was clear. I barely could find a soul nearby that could do anything if I somehow fucked this up… but nothing would get done if I hesitated like that, so I forced myself forward and peered into the darkness of the hall.

There she was, that same girl… Kokoro… but instantly I could tell something was wrong. She was slumped over, body limp on the floor. You only see that kinda shit when a patron's knocked out. Fuck, someone did something for sure, they gotta be nearby-

"You should've waited your turn, Ed."

'That voice?!' I threw a punch behind, but my fist smashed into the wall and I was rewarded with a rag pressed against my damn mouth. 'Shit! They were fast? It's putting me to sleep already!'

I tried to grab the fucker's arms off me, but someone else rammed into my back and pinned my arms tight to my back. So there were two? It had to be since, despite my size, they were restraining me easily. Professionals then? No one could dodge my punch like that. Shit! At this rate, I'm gonna be useless. I just need one hit. If I can get one hit in, I'll go down satisfied!

But that didn't matter now. My arms were getting heavy, and I could barely keep my eyes open. Fuck, was I really going to lose like this? Talk about pathetic… I can't even… stand. Why did I let myself come down here? I knew it was… a bad… idea.

As I felt myself shutting down, I could hear them. "Finally, that took forever. I was tired of smiling at that desk." Sounded like a woman.

"That was comical to see, actually. How long were you practicing that fake smile?" Another voice, a guy. Crap, he sounds familiar for some reason. "You should invest in a career in acting. Coulda fooled me."

"Stop getting distracted. These two were the last ones. Hurry it up." I could hear the girl spit something out before a dragging noise echoed in the hall. They were taking that kid away, and I was gonna be next as I felt the man's presence linger overhead.

"Damn. Alright, alright, I'm moving. Tch, the pay better be worth it to fix this up, but still… damn, Ed… sorry for tricking you, but you deserve this."

With a simple rag, he ended my future as I felt myself go under. Vicky. Constance. The Viridescent Eye. Everything I worked for… the shit I went through… it all flashed before my eyes. Did I really let a small moment of weakness get me killed? Did I seriously try to help that girl, and get screwed over for it?

Fuck… I shouldn't have tried to help her. No one in this damn world would ever try to help anyone. How could I forget that? How could I let his mindset cloud my judgment once again?

Heh… guess outta all of us, I was the one who was gonna pay in the end.

And I suppose that was… fair.

…

"Damnit! I'll make you pay for crossing me like this!"

You were just a liability. You were gonna get cut sooner or later.

...

"Please don't do this! If I lose this deal... I'll have nothing left!"

Not my problem. You knew what you were getting into when going against me.

...

"This isn't fair! I did everything I could to win! You're rigging the system!"

Where do you think you are? The Viridescent Eye doesn't give free handouts to screw-ups like you.

...

"Talk about cutthroat. Tch, no wonder no one ever wants to be around you."

You think that bothers me? I don't need anyone holding me back. Not anyone at all...

...

"Eddie… why… did you look down on me… to the very end?"

...

I've only ever tasted death twice in my life, saved only by my own weapons.

Not the kind that actually does damage, like a gun or some crap. Real weapons, the ones you're born with. Whether it be intelligence, strength, or riches. Whatever environment you find yourself in is the key to what weapons you'll get. Hell, that weapon can even turn into a "talent"... and by mastering them, you can get anywhere.

You can even cheat death with them.

But of course, you can never win against death. It's impossible. You can only bend life into your own image before that disgusting finale. Many people can never achieve that. They live boring, insignificant lives where they let their weapons go to waste.

But in my case, I fought to make my own world... a reality separated from that dark sky and bloody roads.

That world being my empire, the Viridescent Eye, a crown jewel glimmering in the darkness. All who step foot here fight tooth and nail to emerge as winners, and the losers pay a hideous price for their lackluster performance. Here, where money practically flows through the patrons' veins, I'm transported into a land I'm all too familiar with. Where others choose themselves again... and again... and again.

And honestly, it was thrilling to witness.

You didn't just gamble when coming here. That very taste of death so far away in our lives was ever present here when battling for the luck of the draw. No one could cheat the deck for you. All that mattered was the skill of the individual to get on top or die trying. And seeing such a packed house of players who felt the same taste of death I had… was at the very least rewarding to witness.

So naturally, after only sipping the ending that awaits us all, I knew I would never let any idiot compromise the dream I had built for myself ever since those dark days.

Especially idiots like Carl Fausset.

He lay battered while pinned by the casino guards, his face black and blue as he babbled out "sorries" like a damn broken record. Honestly, his words went in through one ear and out the other as I was focused on the reports Constance handed over. He was a thirty-something moron with only one reliable connection to the Viridescent Eye, that being his father. Those who gave into his delusions called him "Clark" on the casino floor, just like his old man before him.

Well, whatever sniveling fool was cowering under me didn't have my respect to be called by either name, as the reports were bathed in red over what he had done.

"Two million stolen. Ten different accounts in the red… this was all recorded today?" Constance gave a small bow to affirm it, his withered frown mirroring my own. "Well fuck, you really got yourself into a bind… Clark, right? You feel like you're winning now?"

He winced at this and held back tears. "I-I'm sorry! Please, I didn't mean for it to be that much! I-I only-!"

I cut him off with a simple wave of my hand. "Then what exactly are you sorry for? When you work with me, you take responsibility for whatever it is you do."

"T-The money, obviously-!" One signal to the guard and he was doubled over with a fist slamming into his stomach.

"Wrong answer. This is pocket change. We can collect that back right away. What matters here is where it comes from, and I don't recall ever permitting you to mess with my patrons' money."

He whimpered at this but seemed to rise for a brief second as if catching a second wind. "Wait… so what's t-the problem if you can just c-collect it back-?!"

"Ah... you got some backbone?" He had an attempt at a fight, but nothing special. He instantly deflated from my tone regardless. "Seems the youth is just as smart as ever, but I prefer to deal with things… a little bit more old-fashioned than what you're used to," I said as I curled my hand into a fist.

Whatever form of resolve he had shattered to the floor along with him as one punch sent him buckling down on top of the sheet. All that power into a single blow. It felt relieving, honestly. After dealing with so many nagging patrons, this moment brought a small beat back to my old heart.

But I had to shake the feeling off as the guy slowly pulled himself together. "Funny, you're more durable than I thought," I scoffed. "That or I'm starting to show my age. I'd like to think I'm well-built, though."

"Please stop… I-I didn't mean to… o-offend you," Carl coughed as he continued to beg. "I just… I thought my d-dad had it handled. He manages some of your clients… p-payments, right? We were working to help you fix this place!"

So his father did play a part in it. I knew this kid was too dumb to be behind all this. Rather, Mr. Fausset snuck behind my back, that fucker. And the excuse to 'fix this place up'? Talk about a joke.

"So you think my business needs fixing? You think I don't know how to take care of my property?" I stepped toward him, towering over the guy. "The Viridescent Eye doesn't need morons like you behind the scenes managing it. It already has me, and it's a goddamn kingdom thanks to me. You wanna try and refute that while the house is full downstairs?"

"I-I know that j-just-! Please! It was gonna be used for y-you anyway, right?! We took initiative for y-you!" He sprawled out onto the floor in some sad form of an apology and tried to grab at my shoes.

I didn't bother to dignify him with a kick. Instead, I knelt down and grabbed his face with my hands. People like this, too weak to even hold themselves accountable, trying to mess up my reputation? He should know his place.

"Look up here, boy." I stared down into the kid's watery eyes. "If you had the guts to make those payments without my attention, then you should have the guts to face the consequences of your stupidity. But I know damn well I'm not going to have my backers question me over a trivial incident like this. I've fought for too long to make this place what it is, and I'm not going to let ANYBODY turn it into a shit show."

"I'm s-sorry…" he kept muttering it over and over as blood dripped from his nose to my shoes. I had no use poking at trash like this anymore.

"Take your apologies to your father. He needs it far more than me." I released my grip and he went to the floor, scrambling to his feet as I motioned for the guards to collect him. "I appreciated his work during our time together, but since he and his son fucked up, I'm afraid the entire family is done with my business."

I could hear Carl sputter back to life in shock from behind me, but the decision was as easy as wiping the blood off my fist. "Y-You can't do that! I worked so h-hard for you, and my f-father is a close advisor of-!"

"And now he's on my list of people who will never be allowed to step foot in here again. Constance, make sure to put all of their names down." He bowed and went to help the guards with the boy.

The look the kid gave me was one of utter despair as the polished doors started to close. In a flash, his true anger came out. "You… Y-You won't get away with this, Ed! The p-police will hear about w-what you did to me, I swear on it!"

"You can find them downstairs by the blackjack table. I'm sure they'll lend an ear." The empty threats only bored me. They were all the same, last-ditch efforts to curse my name and invoke some fear. But how could you take sad shit like that seriously? If anything, the thought of cleaning the mess up in the meeting room annoyed me more than the promise of payback.

But of course, I didn't have the luxury to clean up alone. With Constance, that whiney kid, and the guards gone, the patch-up job was left to me... and Vicky who looked down on it with little more than a frown.

"Ugh, your shoes. I just bought that pair," she whined in the back, lighting up a thin pipe as she puffed out smoke. "You should really keep to some clean manners at the very least. The meeting room is a mess, and I spent so much time designing it for you..."

"I had a sheet under him. It didn't get anywhere." Vicky had to be the only lady on the planet to worry more about the shoes rather than the cleanup job. I suppose that's what made her endearing to some, and tiring to me, but we managed somehow.

"Still, the least you could do is keep it clean~ 'in honor of the artist', as they say~" She tucked her long brown hair behind her ear, her red lips curling into a smirk as she admired the large fireplace in the room. "But I am interested in how you're going to spill the news to Mr. Fausset. I'm sure he'd love to hear how his child got hounded on by his best man."

"That 'child' is damn near thirty. He can deal with it," I scoffed, not the least bit concerned with how Clark's gonna react, "he'll sleep easy in that hilltop manor of his, like always if he knows what's good for him."

"Oh, how scary of you~" With a yawn, Vicky sat up, her luxurious red dress flowing behind her, and grabbed a cloth to clean my hands. "Well, I'm rather fatigued myself, dear. Watching that whole mess was not as nearly as fun as I'd thought it would be."

"It's work. It's not supposed to be fun..."

"Well, you looked amused talking down on him like that." She blushed, determined to tease me now that all was done. It was inconsequential, but I tried to get rid of that moment in my head once Vicky gave a kiss to my hand. "There, all clean. The shoes are a different story, but I'll see to them eventually. Now, can we finally go home and have a little of our own fun by the pool~?"

As much as throwing in the towel for the day sounded like a dream, this wasn't over. Vicky thankfully sensed as such as I led us both out of the meeting room. "Well, given the records Constance gave, I'd rather get this done sooner than later. Cut off Carl and his father, get some files for the overseas establishments-"

"Mio, mio~" Vicky swooned, half leading, half dragging me by the tie to the personal office I had here, a crooked grin on her face flashing just enough teeth to pass for a smile. "Visiting Japan is supposed to be a trip, dear, not overtime. But alright, I'll come with. I'm dying for some wine! You still have that bottle of Barolo I gifted you, yes?"

So much for her being fatigued. She was way too excited late into the night, but consequently, I was too tired to shut her antics down. "It's tucked somewhere in there, but the shit's practically empty," I sighed. "You can scavenge, but be quick. We're taking the car back when I'm done here."

"If you knew I'd come over, you should've saved some for me." She pouted and tugged on my tie again. "And why leave so soon? If you have work here, then let's simply enjoy it. We have the whole building to ourselves."

"It's packed downstairs." I had to remind her yet again as I could hear the slots go crazy from the excited shouts. Seems someone is a big winner. I was almost tempted to peek, but Vicky kept on dragging me along since she knew the way. I didn't know what was worse, being led around like a dog in my own establishment, or dealing with this stupid issue with the Fausset family.

"Well, it's not packed up here. It's employees only~ What do you say, Ed? We can play a game together like old times, just us two!"

It was all bothersome, but at least the office was in sight as I pushed open the large wooden door. "There's no time for games tonight, so quit your prodding."

"Diligent as always, Ed~" Vicky went inside first, grazing her fingers along my suit as she did. "Well, promise me you'll loosen up once this is done. You've been far too cold to me lately. It's quite exhausting to deal with."

Exhausting? She wasn't the one getting her ear babbled off, but I kept that thought to myself and sighed at her antics. "Find your wine, don't touch anything, and maybe I'll consider it." And with that, I followed along inside the office, flicking on the light as I mentally prepared for this tiring search.

Reeking of old cigars and bloody fists, the private office was built with walls carved elegantly toward the back, centering around a circular window that overlooked the bustling casino. In front of the window was my desk, holding a few armchairs around it, and some shelves crammed with documents. Some potted plants littered the room too, but only because Vicky demanded I put them to bring some "life" to the place.

Even with that, she scrunched her nose unsatisfied with the décor. "Really now, how can we share a beautiful moment together if you go around working in a dump like this?" She sighed. "You should invest in better designers for your personal office, dear. Better yet, let me handle cleaning it up. I have a few ideas in mind~"

"Like I'd let you take over the working space." Whatever designs she had planned already were burning my eyes.

Vicky pouted at this and went to search for the wine. "Boo, you're no fun. You should be a little more extravagant. Why throw cash into polishing up gambling tables when your own office is a wreck? I really can't understand it."

There was no way she could. Nor could anyone, I bet. The masses could be awestruck by simple things like jewels engraved on the ceiling or elegant statues resting on fountains. They could and would get that with my casinos on the outside, but all I needed was the quiet solitude of overlooking the gambling payouts from the window. As long as I saw everything I could build up while I worked, I didn't need anything else to distract me.

And what a sight it was to behold. How it expanded beneath the window like a field, with tables all filled and buzzing with wins and losses. Seeing a place like the Viridescent Eye… my life's work… my blood, practically. It was the only motivation I needed to get back to work and start searching for the files.

There were wooden shelves inserted into the dark walls, holding the cluttered folders and files I'd have to rummage through. Constance tried to keep it tidy, but I knew where everything was by heart, it didn't need to be messed with-

*CLANK*

'Speaking of messing with things…' I turned to see Vicky sprawling out the papers in the room, searching feverishly for that wine. "I told you not to touch anything…" I groaned, but I was too tired to sound upset about it.

"I'm still looking for that wine, dear. If it's in this room, where else am I supposed to look? Hm, I bet it's even hidden under here~" She kept lifting up papers, as if a large bottle was going to be hidden under a pile like that.

I would give her the pleasure of a chuckle from the logic, but I had more important things to focus on. "Sure, good luck with that, it's somewhere over there. " I brushed past and kept rummaging through the folders. "Now as for the file I need, shit… it's somewhere-" My fingers landed directly on it, finally. "Bingo. We can go now."

"Ha… I haven't gotten my drink yet. Don't rush me." Vicky glanced back with an amused gaze. "I believe this would go faster if someone knew where to look~" She beckoned me to join her. "We need it to celebrate."

"Celebrate what, exactly?" I questioned plainly as I joined her. But she didn't seem to be searching anymore. She spun over to me.

"Getting another pest out of your hair," she answered. "That's always fun, isn't it?"

"It's annoying." Dealing with enemies… people that want to use my name… all of it was just too bothersome. I could be done with Clark and his bullshit by the hour if I was alone.

"Il mio orso, that's no good," she mumbled, her voice smooth as she tried to put me at ease. "You need to relax. Take your mind off all this for a moment. If we find that bottle, it might be worth it to just stay here at least~"

She leaned closer to me, but I could only muster a huff and gently pull away. "Vicky… not tonight. I need to focus on this."

Vicky didn't keep her eyes off me as she leaned slightly back against the desk, frowning in realization. "Yes… Yes, you're right, this is important I suppose. But I know you're thinking of him… aren't you?" Yep, she definitely was reading me like a book.

"How could you expect me not to?"

The words came out harsher than I wanted, so I could only wince as I watched Vicky deflate. "I don't expect anything, but it's funny. We both went through that… and now we're both here, thriving." She spoke quietly, her expression soft like how it used to be back in the day. "I don't get how that's all you think about. I'd rather burn the memories. I just wish he wasn't such an attention hog."

I knew she wanted better, for herself, and for me. But I could never forget why I climbed to this point, and why I still have to. But the more I did think about it… more about him… it hurt to breathe.

I'd rather my lungs burn from wine at this rate.

"You know, that drink sounds pretty good right about now." This time, I was the one to back down and went searching, if only for her sake... as well as to forget about the topic.

"Oh really, now you want to drink?" How nice of her, trying to fix the mask that slipped with a soft chuckle. "Fine, I'll bite. You're so easy to tease sometimes."

"Only... uh... cause it's you... doing it." I tried to flirt back, but it only made her giggle, which I suppose was better than nothing. "Barolo, right? I put it somewhere safe here." I started to open one of the cabinets…

…and that's when I caught it.

From Vicky's earlier rummaging, I could see an envelope laying proudly amongst the shit pile of paperwork, the golden stamp mockingly glimmering from the light. How I didn't notice it before is beyond me, as it clearly wasn't like anything I would ever accept.

"Oooh, our friend left you a present, dear?" Vicky mused and sat on the desk. "How kind of him."

"Constance would've stopped Carl at the door." I didn't have the energy to entertain the idea and scanned the area. No one, not even my staff, not even Vicky, without approval from Constance would be allowed in. And as for Constance himself, he definitely wouldn't have put shit down on my desk without notifying me. Whoever the perp was made sure not to leave any traces.

"Looks like we've got a master escape artist on our hands then~!" Vicky went for a light. "You can't separate the mess they made with your own. How can a burglar be cleaner than you are, dear?"

I was about to answer with an unimpressed look when I looked over the envelope once again. That's when I really got annoyed. "Because it isn't some crook, it's worse," I groaned. The obnoxious royal gold stamp should've clued me in right there. I opened it to see the letter inside and read the first line. "To Eddie Orsino… the Supreme Level Casino Owner..." I repeated word for word. "It's the GHA... talking about that program they do."

Vicky coughed up a laugh. "Haha~! Oh my, doesn't that make this the fifth time they've sent for you?" Her earlier quietness vanished as she dared to take a look at it herself. "I can say a lot of things about those people. If anything, they certainly are persistent."

"Annoyingly persistent," I reiterated. It was probably about that program they were doing again, as if I didn't have enough to deal with, given this whole "Faussest" situation. Just the thought of the GHA was enough to warrant a groan. How they claimed to build a better future with the newest generation, when all they did was foster the mindset that only the 'talented' could change the world.

If the last time was anything to go by… they would be equally fucked for another Tragedy.

"I'll toss it. They can find someone else." I didn't even want to bother reading the rest.

"Hm? And miss on the chance to teach the younger folk?" Vicky plucked the envelope for herself. "You know, it might be good for you to get some practice on your people skills. No one knows how adorable you can be under that rough exterior like I do~"

"Stop that." But there wasn't much power behind the command, so Vicky continued.

"No, I'm serious. Maybe then. Carl would've-"

"Carl would've fucked me over regardless if I baby-talked him or not." I didn't waste time shutting down the train of thought. "And I'm not going. They got normal 'talent' schools or whatever for this kinda thing, with normal teachers. Why pull me outta work to coddle already-inflated egos with how exceptional they are? I'd be dealing with spoiled brats all day…"

"See, that's the kind of insight they could use. The second grumpy opinion no one wants to hear." Vicky kept teasing, but I could tell even with her curiosity, she wouldn't push it past that. "Although I suppose you're right on some matters. You're not soft, so I can't imagine you handling children. Though one day, it would be nice…"

"One day?" For the tiniest second, my heart fluttered. Shit, I had to get a hold of myself. But of course, Vicky caught it and smiled, for once quieting down.

"Wouldn't it be nice…?" A glimmer in her eye. "We're getting far too old for this dying world, with too much to share, but little to show for our worth. It's honestly tiring… seeing the youth… and even older folk run around with so much passion and talent. Meanwhile, we're rotting here."

"Please, we have everything to show for it." Did she not see where we stood? "All of this is because of me… a-and of you. And as for children?" I paused at this and clutched the envelope. "That could never happen, not with me."

"Ah yes, I understand that much at least…" She looked into the cabinet I was about to open earlier and managed to smile again as she pulled out the Barolo, but it felt constructed, her disappointment obvious. "But I get it, this is your whole life. I just wish we could share it like we used to. So... when you're ready to... we can share this outside maybe..."

With that she gave a shake of the wine and stepped out, leaving me alone to stew with those words as I held the letter. She was right, I would be an idiot not to at least understand that. Sharing this life, and everything that came with it. Was that really something I could do again?

Could I share a goal with someone like I did with him again?

Ugh... all this thinking was tiring me out, all because of this damn letter. Best I just toss this GHA trash away and get to cleaning up shop with this Fausset business.

But just as I was about to do so, something caught my eye on the invitation. Unlike the pre-typed organization letter, there was a blurb of handwritten text on the bottom. What the hell was this about? All it seemed to be was some random phone number, and a name…

…not just any name… his name.

"You and Vick are gonna go far, I'm sure of it!"

...

"Ed... can you hear me... why are you laying down like that...?"

...

"Eddie... let's live long.. okay?"

…

Shit not again…

On a clear night, I would've tossed it, kept working, and ignored this crap dredging up from behind me. But I was starting to shake. Thank god no one else saw me like this. Only he could do something like that to me... always existing in the back of my mind. I usually could just push it down. Shit, why can't I suppress it? Was it because of the faint smell of blood on my hand? Or the look of despair on Carl? Or Vicky's speech from earlier?

Whatever it was, I couldn't take my mind off it. Even the thought of work failed me. This damn number... his name. The Viridescent Eye was made for stopping crap like this, but if this letter really is here, I underestimated how low the GHA is willing to go to rope me into their scheme.

But why me? The world has enough shoo-ins to babysit the next generation. I don't need to be a part of that. I have my own world to focus on. My empire, my employees, Vicky.

I don't need to answer them… I don't…

But that… disgusting taste again… that rotting liquid in my mouth. And shit… reading that number and the writing under it… they're making it sound like I gotta owe them.

"Promise me the three of us will make it big... okay?"

…

Then I guess... I owe them a phone call. Just one, though.

Then they'd be out of my life forever... I could keep my empire established in this rotting world...

…and I'd finally... keep his promise.

{Author's Note}

The second MC is here! Eddie Orsino! A gruff and focused individual, his only goal is to keep his world intact. However, it's unclear if he'll be able to keep that promise of stability when his whole world is rolled out of balance. Is it possible for him to change that fate for his future? It only remains to be seen.

Eddie's chapter is... a LOT. I rewrote this three times and only hope that I offered my best version. I think his was harder personally because I was going through some stuff while writing his chapter, and his character also is very easy to mess up so I had to lock in. But he's still a lot of fun to write, and I enjoyed building up his world. I hope you all did too... or at the very least are rooting for his downfall.

As for the next chapter, I'm trying to go back and forth with Gold House and this, so Gold House would be next, but considering the deadline is coming up for this story... I will work on the chapter here as well for its release.

Speaking of the deadline, it's still up, and thank you to all the lovely people who submitted already! The deadline date is JULY 23RD, for those still interested, but you can ask for extensions if you believe you can't get it done then. But it's totally okay, don't force out a character if you don't feel up for it! I hope you can just enjoy this story. As for what type of submissions might be appreciated, perhaps antagonistic types, crazies, I'm thinking more OUT their people. Doesn't matter the personality, just those who wouldn't really seem like Ultimates, maybe even someone super-shy or flirty, or just a bit loony. I'm throwing out potential ideas but whatever works, works!

But of course don't panic no final decision has been made for oc's, your forms will be great regardless and I'm so happy to those who took an interest! Anyways, if you have more questions for me, please let me know!

Take Care

Candlefire45