It had been a little over a month since they left the church in search of a cure. So proud they were, running away. Till they became no better than rats.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlx5ewwda6
And even though they managed to cure one of their group, now another grew sick.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHooxvKEKc1
They owed debts. And now they would owe more.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpFYvwmNBx
The inn they were leaving had info they needed, but Arlin wasn't sure if it was enough. He didn't know where to go from here.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvQTL0QAct
Cold, he thought as he left the entrance of the inn.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bAKfZb9ee
He hated winter. It was never warm enough, even covered, to escape the bite of it. He tried to cover his head with the cloak to reduce some of the cold. It never really helped.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtQceThRur
Surprisingly to him though, the darkness magic did something about the cold. The darkness offered him a bit of warmth. He used it on the inside of the cloak, layering shadows like a second skin.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYugzz7LVI
Behind him, a cough. And a low male voice spoke. "This place always judges us. Why do we even bother coming here?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHp3Ei3pxU
A smaller female voice replied. "You know as well as I do it's the only place that doesn't recognize us as runaway rats." She drew a small cloak over her wolf-like face, ears tucking low beneath the fabric.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v3nt7xw1h
The male voice sighed. "There's got to be something better, sister."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPdp5dAdG0
"If there was, brother, we wouldn't be here, would we?" the female replied.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvyLy0dD8C
"Enough, you two." Arlin's voice cut through the cold air. "The cold is bad enough without your barking adding to it."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMoEaf8ZJq
"Sorry," the female voice said quietly.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphYCQdUAav
"Whatever," the male voice muttered, but they both got quiet. Only a random low cough broke the silence.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGcbxosbCf
After a moment of standing in the cold—snow falling gently around them, the street nearly empty—the young male asked, "Um... what are we going to do, Arlin? We can't steal around here anymore. Since we got the potion for Ziala, Tommy doesn't like it."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0qZ5hsL95
"I know, Rock," Arlin said, looking at the young wolf. His sister waited quietly for the outcome, breath misting in the frigid air.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEmv3KVUvR
Arlin knew he was supposed to give these kids a better life than the church he took them from.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGFFNRa6kE
"We could try new ways to steal," Rock suggested.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuN73R7WBl
"That's stupid," Ziala said in a low voice.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfERtMLF0ZC
"Not like you made a plan," Rock retorted, then coughed into his hand.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpse9Negx1
"No plan is better than a stupid one!"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED1eEKl4SN
They were both just kids, Arlin thought. Why did I think this was a good idea?428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIBAQ5Twlf
"Enough." Arlin's voice was low but firm. The fighting was nothing new, but the cold just made it worse. And today wasn't a good day. "Let's go see Tommy. Maybe we can work something out."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEAssKXwmo
"Don't think it will go better than last time, boss," Rock replied, downcast. Ziala stayed quiet but nodded in agreement.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSeJPuUSjU
"We're already at the bottom. Can't get any worse. Can only go up," Arlin said with a bit of mirth.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfVGs9AK67
"Sure," Rock said, coughing a few times before going on. "As long as you have worth, you can always move up."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva2yWeKXHA
"You know," Ziala said, "that was probably the smartest thing I ever heard you say. Shame it won't last."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIL36ZR7eL
"Whatever," Rock said and coughed more as they left.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0xecVvJFF
The streets were nearly empty from the late hour combined with the cold. Their breath formed clouds in the air. Snow crunched underfoot. Every gust of wind cut through their thin clothes.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J9OHGivJ0
Their destination was the alchemist guild. The main branch was too rich for them to get near—bright windows, warm light spilling onto clean cobblestones, well-dressed customers coming and going. But the owner, Tommy, had a smaller side branch just for business. Making it easier to do side deals while his main branch sold potions.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMEbgNt8Mv
Out front were two guards who watched them approach with a sneer.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslSZ0OsiI9
"You got business here?" one asked from behind a hood.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmOqMLF17I
"You know us," Arlin said.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TgjnmtbcC
The other spoke up. "Yeah. Street rats. And you didn't answer his question."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHVKpE1vwy
Rock spoke up. "We got business with your boss, not thugs."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBU2eUh5XS
Arlin was strained and tired. "We're tired. We just need to talk."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBtDCniXip
"Sounds like a you problem," the first thug spoke. Neither moved an inch.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGshKzC453O
"We want to settle a debt," Arlin tried once more.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLkC8sKXUI
"Who doesn't?" the second said, and they both laughed at that.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYc1SlJokb
They just stared at them from behind hoods. When they saw the snow slowly start to drop once more, and the pitiful sight of them not moving, one relented.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRcC784wUN
"Aha. Seems trash can't take a hint." He jerked his thumb toward the door. "Let the boss know. If we're lucky, he'll ask us to take out the trash." They both laughed at that while the second went inside.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5Vm1M9mzF
As they waited, Rock coughed some more, trying to hold it back but unable to. Ziala patted him on the back, her small hand barely making a sound against his shoulder. Arlin was reflecting while they waited, staring at nothing.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rGCCWdcSt
This was my choice, he thought bitterly.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDtYkaqxhe
He hated that they couldn't do more than steal and be rats. The church always gave them scraps, and everyone else took what they could with joy versus being spiteful.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbczC7zzoF
A few minutes later, the other thug came back. "Tsk. Boss is in a good mood. Figures rats should be heard for some reason." He waved them forward. "Go ahead. Remember, you're always being watched."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOXENYd0Gr
"Yeah, yeah," Arlin said.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMCk5wQHFL
Rock just stared them down. Ziala said nothing as they entered the building.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFd6v1u6rI
The area was a large lot with side rooms—mostly storage for goods to be sold later, and side labs for alchemy. The room they wanted was straight in the back. As the thug had said, there were various guards casually watching the doors. A few glanced their way but with indifference.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u1LtRsqPB
When they entered the office, it was very clean. Bright. And warm—almost too warm after the cold from outside. Everything was extreme luxury. Papers neatly stacked. A roaring fireplace. Plush carpet that their dirty boots sank into.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC8BmMGnxc
Sitting behind the desk was a slender man with glasses. He took off his spectacles—presumably used to read—and spoke.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IzJQYq4N0
"I'm surprised you got my money already. And early, no less. I'm impressed."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDc1tBzWFr
All three of the street rats went cold at that. They knew they didn't have the money. They were even sure he knew and was mocking them.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgjBTHO9Bx
"Well?" he said in a honey voice. "Why else would you be here? I doubt to beg."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1r083DluN
Arlin, burning with shame, said, "We need a potion for Rock."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGywEaAu8EW
"You... and you... and you... and you..." The man behind the desk droned on in flippant mockery.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqEKlqMqPm
"You know we're trying, Tommy," Arlin said, a bit defeated.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQdk8MWV8R
"No." Tommy flatly said. "What I know is you use me and ask for things. Then make an excuse why you can't pay me back."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEchitXoD4
"It's hard to work sick. It's why we needed the potion for Ziala. Now we need one for Rock. We'll be good after that!" Arlin spoke with a little heat, forgetting to show respect. "Sir," he added as an afterthought, trying to appeal to his ego.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23I8miaIOu
It did not work.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UOF8DpD2f
Tommy looked up at the ceiling, smiling. He closed his eyes. "Money is power. So why would I keep giving up that power to rats? Rats that don't pay their debts."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9m8vBk0MI
He leaned forward, eyes opening. "What am I going to do? Threaten your family? You have none." He said it with amusement. "I'm surprised you three even still hang out and haven't betrayed each other! You're not even a real family. Well, they are—but you're a human!"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT7n86QLk9
Tommy said it with a bit of mirth, almost laughing.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXWsevYYeH
Arlin, knowing they were in his debt, tried to find a new angle. "There's got to be something we can do for one more potion."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKovmEs96F
Tommy was mildly amused and replied. "I thought the same. It's why I even took a chance on you kids. As it is now? You're just a waste of more resources, and that won't do." He tapped his desk. "I doubt I'll get back what you owe me, much less the interest."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29simnuYg2
"We got info," Arlin tried a different angle.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3am15MmCnl
"Nothing you three know can be worth the time I already wasted. But feel free to humor me with the knowledge I lack." He smiled at that, waiting to hear their last desperate pitch.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ik7eYh61O
"We've been going to the Dragon Inn," Arlin started.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSUPcAG0eo
But Tommy cut in. "Well, that explains why you lack funds you owe me. Sad if that's the info, but go ahead and explain why you wasted what you owe eating there."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKREKPoySjZ
Arlin was annoyed and ready to fight. But that was when he felt Ziala take his hand. She was a tough kid, but she was still a kid. He sighed.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhqoEBNeOG
"We needed info. Stealing wasn't making enough. We were trying to find a bigger score."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4fscTdHQa
"And?" Tommy was already bored and kept interrupting to hurry them along.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRFl2q49KQ
"Every once in a while, hunters would stop in and talk. Same with the church people," Arlin said.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SESTizi3l
"And traders," Tommy said, unamused, barely listening, wanting to see if there was a point.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBvihUmKZN
"Well, among them, talk kept going on about a new dungeon."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk15VI3PufN
Arlin finally got to finish.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD6vcF92N7
That got Tommy's attention real quick. He sat up straighter. His eyes sharpened.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjK1lgxCps
"And I was not told?" Tommy asked with narrowed eyes.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRhdBQjioI
Arlin was hopeful this was the case. It was his ace. He didn't really even know if it had value. If not, he had nothing.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUNRlJmWN5
"Let's pretend I believe you. Where would this dungeon be?" Tommy watched them carefully.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS89saWlE35
"Lakewood. Just past Crossroads. Think to the south," Arlin spoke quickly, hopeful.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr06gfocfE
"That backwater runt village?" Tommy wasn't amused or believing. "You're saying they got their own dungeon?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbM2RpDwIy
"Will get," Arlin corrected. "It's happening within two years. They're building a guild hall as we speak."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cbZqjZhUD
"And you know that how?" Tommy still didn't believe.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g1Docc34a
"It's what we spent the money on. Listening in on the groups eating. We couldn't enter other inns—they saw us as thieves. But this one let us in as long as we paid."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLkNSmNgHC
Tommy hummed before speaking. "And because I told you not to steal near there. Convenient how that worked out."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypJitVi0IE
He still didn't believe them.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhdGRnQDfe
"You can ask around. It's not a secret—it's just not something they'll tell street rats. So we had to eavesdrop." Arlin was confident in his words.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2ZnEL6ruG
"So I got the info, and you have nothing. If that was your plan, you thought way too highly of yourselves." Tommy leaned back, drumming his fingers on the desk.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gFmnCSSrR
Arlin wasn't done. He finally had an angle he could use.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUJ8LuTUj6
"You keep using us to steal copper when you want silver and gold. We'll never pay any debt like that."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8se7Hu5EZ
Tommy was interested now. The talk was on him making money.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w8n6jjuLL
"Go on," he said seriously, listening now.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzBGsPWgLU
"Give us the potion for Rock, and I'll help secure things from the new dungeon till all debts are paid."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMYg1RXmWi
He started sweating a little. This was a gamble of trust, and he wasn't worth trusting.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9znrrO10ht
"So you want me to wait potentially years for a payoff that may never come while you live debt-free?" Tommy wanted to say more, but Arlin spoke.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3OYt4x3PK
"We live due to your graces, and we will pay our debts."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUYjLBT9vo
"Allegedly," Tommy retorted, rubbing his eyes while speaking. "The news would reach me in time, and you telling me did help, if mildly."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIsNyXClAm
He paused, considering. "But the debt stands. I won't lose money on this, and I need more than the words of three rats to have trust. But I'm willing to make a deal."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5hFXc7ZDA
Arlin listened on as Rock tried to hold back a cough and Ziala held his hand, unsure where this was going.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDsIdlErTi
Tommy pointed at the wolfkin. "Those two rats work for me. Not you. As runners. They will earn nothing—the potions have seen to that. To free them of that debt, you need to get me stuff from the dungeon."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiVxjppiuk
Arlin hated that they'd be slaves till he could free them. But they were already at the bottom. They didn't have many options.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmTGrUyhzj
"The dungeon won't exist for a while. The deal doesn't take place till then, but we need the potion now."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe8Abq5d6u
He wasn't giving up.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabGSy6fcgj
"Bold," Tommy said. "Making demands of those in power and even setting terms!"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp7SUt6vBu
Arlin refused to back down. "I know you need mana crystals."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItHjdnrmA7
"I need many things," Tommy admitted. "If the day comes you can get them, till then, herbs are more precious. But you'll never know which hold the most value, so that's a waste of time too."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugW5Dm8U6V
He leaned forward. "I want twenty level one crystals per potion for the debt owed. Since you're not the shrewd type."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LC9sGYwCK
"You can buy a potion selling the crystals with about five mana crystals!"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2uHF938oB
Arlin was surprised—not at Tommy's greed, but how easily the cure could be bought with money.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1GJVeTkXj
"Before you get too excited, you would need help to kill things in a dungeon. And the beasts they do spawn can be rare. Add to it, you need to split the loot." Tommy mused, not caring. "Well, let's just say this is not something that will be easy to be debt-free."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlWYnDZjsT
Arlin was firm as he spoke. "The potion, and you got a deal. But not till it opens. And only I would go. I can make a group and get them. I know it. They won't know me as a street rat in that town. It can work."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHSUSALdmO
Tommy looked thoughtful for a second, then started drumming the table with his fingers. After a moment, he asked, "I know you don't think me a saint, but I wonder—do you see me as a villain?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv9Br8DEZJ
Arlin wasn't sure how to respond to that.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1sEaMNSOz
Tommy smiled. "You," he said with finality, "are trash. Street rats that beg me, who earns money and power." He paused, letting it sink in. "I am not the villain. You are."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pGmYPGQPm
Arlin kept quiet as Tommy went on.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJDxW4igIp
"You beg, and take, and beg for more. Even as I give, what do you do? Beg and ask me for more."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivMVSrH6EI
"But—" he said when he saw their defeated looks "—even if you don't see me as a saint, I understand your worth. You do have value, even if a little."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytbgGgWVBN
"I agree. Consider this a test of trust and faith."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhJtnXLRJo
He pulled out a vial with a neon blue glow. "This—" he held it up, staring at them "—cost me time and money to make. Neither of which I like losing. So prove your worth is more than this, and we're even."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0Lne21L9U
Arlin did not move as he stared at Tommy. He knew even this was a test. Could he be a good dog and wait, and kneel when told?428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfOiEYcfTc
So none of the three moved.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02FjIUCIc2
Tommy smiled, happy they knew. "Good," he said. "It's yours."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqzoDvPLdQ
He handed the vial to Arlin.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyWihM3hdg
"I'll find out the details you couldn't. Do me a favor and make yourself worth something."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcAqbj1qHl
"I know you have level three darkness. Train that. Nobody will want to take a runt into a dungeon that brings nothing of worth. You think I'm gaining having rats as runners? It's a modest gain at best."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmmvH3xNuN
Arlin was holding the potion as if it were gold. He knew it was worth it. Since it healed Ziala, it would heal Rock too.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDfAl3nx9q
"Let's go," he said.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NBW7q7Tf1
"Remember," Tommy said, smiling, "I'm not the villain for wanting what's owed from those that begged."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwrAboGY8K
As they left, the guards outside left them in peace. They'd been in there long enough. The guards knew a deal was made, and they were smart enough to keep quiet.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhF7uq3vHh
Once they found a quiet alley free from prying eyes, Arlin handed the drink to Rock. "Go on. Drink it."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p0Brl39s7
Rock took it slowly, not wanting to drink it.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sm6W3KiQz
"Relax," Arlin said, patting his shoulder. "We're family, and we have a way out. It just takes time. That's enough."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmuKeO5w5Z
Ziala, also depressed, spoke. "Sorry I'm a burden."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7rFUhTWso
Rock said the same, still not drinking.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80CD3urPQI
Arlin laughed. "We're rats. We stick together. We rise and fall together!"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEM0lFIRr8
He watched them not agreeing, so he repeated it. "Together, remember?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9651bOCYq
They both nodded meekly as Rock drank the potion.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKGSRiA3d7
And just like that, it was gone.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyp77qEQo3
So quick. So easy. He was healed.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlxWSpfmlg
Yet the debt that chained them would last much longer.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOnLQ9meig
Arlin slapped Rock on the side. "Better, big guy?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrobAANMMfm
He nodded, not wanting to speak, tears in his eyes.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFesgUoZIK
Ziala, who always fought with her brother, spoke up then. "Don't worry. You still got me, even if you're ugly. I won't leave you, Rock."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF66g4E5Fq
Rock, finally feeling better, retorted. "Maybe it was better if I was alone then."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKTgSZglyX
The bickering went on into the night.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxxeAubyre
They didn't want to go to the church. Instead, they wandered into the night, ignoring the money, the bitter cold, and the chains of debt that would haunt them for years.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2OYHA75Q8
For tonight? At least for a moment, they were free.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vSYKEtHBi
In a random alley amongst the dim lights and falling snow, they woke huddled together for warmth.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoRCyTcfBC
Another day at the bottom.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ujN2nrI4w
They could leave at any time—back to the church. But the church had already failed them before. It was better to be free and cold than kneeling to those who saw you as something to pity.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBFregnHGE
Yeah, Tommy used them. But he saw their worth. The church just wanted them to stay in a room, do chores, and wait for their blessing.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNf0TixBeJ
No.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzouHkJ0TKf
Street rats they may be, but free rats were worth more than being caged.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluXRa1L6cP
He heard groaning next to his side. Ziala was colder than him, it seemed. His darkness was keeping him warm without even trying. He hated how his family wasn't blessed, but he was. It was proof the gods were cruel if they would let loved ones suffer and make a sickness they could not afford.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgt2Qa2uVC
He tried to huddle closer to Ziala without waking her, causing Rock to also nudge closer for the warmth. They were both overgrown kids, Arlin thought. Shifting awkwardly against each other, breath misting in the frozen air, snow settled on their clothes like a thin blanket.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf2aPTrs2R
He shifted his thoughts to the day ahead, debating whether they should steal. They didn't need the money now that the debt was changed, but the only other option was to submit to the church for the time needed.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqEaLrEwAe
He heard a low voice at his side. "We made it through another night."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBznRznesDv
It was Ziala.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fP5PBbo5b
"Did I wake you?" Arlin asked.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlZyU8JgFV
She shook her head. "No. The cold did."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLxdwKBZdC
"We might need to steal again," he said, lost in thought.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrgV0TU6hq
"I know," she said in a low voice.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWEyNzbBoL
"Funny how we're supposed to be free yet always bound to someone," Arlin said in mockery.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW8zOGwvj7
"We always knew that, boss. What's new?" Rock said.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgW7iB3mO4
"You awake too, big guy?" Arlin mused.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdSTFFjQFq
"Cold," he said back.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCx7yYZbb4
"Yeah," Arlin said. "I know."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTzWDQd982
He paused, then continued. "I think we have to go back to the church. At least for a few years. Then we'll be free. Just have to live long enough to get there."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MZdNfvbdB
Ziala said, "Easier said than done, or we would not be street rats."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFNlh7mmZA
Rock added, "They don't care."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn0KMLz5Fp
"I know," Arlin said. "But we don't need their love. Just their mercy. And they do offer warmth, food, even teaching. Things we need. We use them and get out. Nothing new there."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGPFmYfYKZ
"We still owe Tommy," Ziala said. "He's not going to let us do whatever till the dungeon opens."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEviiFlCol
"He will," Arlin said. "He wanted the bigger prize. He was willing to gamble and wait, or he never would've agreed to the deal."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpxpb3xmGj
Rock laughed at that. "Best joke I heard all year. Him trusting rats."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mg3htpbgQ
"Not trusting," Arlin said. "Waiting. He knows we got nowhere to go, and he doesn't want to feed or train us. But he still expects us to pay our debt."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqeZ0MseYk
"So he knows he has to bend a little, lest he breaks us and gets nothing. It's smart business."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8SMBK9oef
Rock murmured while trying to build warmth. Same with Ziala, though neither could get closer, and the cold never really became less. But the sun was rising, and the day would bring something—even if it wasn't hope.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVeVsjQOFr
It was something.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd9x5NORDK
And for rats, that was enough.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu7AwNUDlo
He didn't want to steal, but they also didn't want to go to the church hungry and give them more power. No, they would eat first—at least stand a little straighter and have pride.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfqaHZtsCC
He knew it was hypocritical. He stole with one hand while saying they had honor and paid debts with the other. But he also didn't try to pretend to be anything more than what they were.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZK0WR0erE
Rats.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfz9neGd9S
Just because they wanted to be better didn't change what they were.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMNm5ZPL0z
The thefts were simple. Rock and Ziala would beg and scout, depending on how the people treated them and how heavy the purses looked. They picked them for stealing.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfAuSrHxBx
Money was good at first, and debts were being paid back quickly. But people weren't stupid. Those with money avoided certain streets and noticed rats were around when they lost money.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln62cq64AF
It wasn't hard to put two and two together.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag8HB8XbHO
The only saving grace was they couldn't prove who did it because of Arlin's darkness magic.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxSscbhNpT
He blended as the shadows and followed closely the mark, stole the coins, and was gone before they knew they were even robbed. It was beautiful in its simplicity.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsERLYBbnb
Till it didn't work, and Rock got sick. Then it was too much.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxZQq325Ol
Tommy prohibited them from hitting certain areas—those areas were more likely to spend money on potions. He refused to let them steal money he was already going to get while also creating a false perception those areas were better, making a loop of more people with money going there.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6Nx2ApljP
Well, Arlin thought, there had to be some truth to it. Nobody in the slums wanted anything to do with them as they knew any coins they got were stolen.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeHXVyGdGu
"Let's try anyway," Arlin said. "We got time to scout a few places. Worst case, we change the plan. Skim the edges of the street where we're allowed to hit. Can play stupid if Tommy finds out. It's just this once."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwbPAYjvIh
"Okay," they both said and got up, shaking off the snow that had settled over the night.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mj276bClJ
Rock and Ziala were not happy they'd left the church. They didn't think the church was evil, but they'd followed Arlin out of loyalty, taking a chance living on the streets. Now they were going back to it.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrURml9YeF
"Whatever he says," Ziala said dejectedly, trying to shake those thoughts.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvjNXM8ESY
While Rock was scouting a new spot, he heard her passing words.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUZEm5ap0t
"You always take his side," he retorted.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu7HJQvr6Y
Ziala just shrugged and said, "He's not wrong. He took us from the church and gave us a better life."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYY9JIk40D
Rock laughed. "Yeah, under the thumbs of others. So free."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61EoNcHwDL
"Why is this even an argument? Why now?" Ziala asked, unsure.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf9VhQwnEs
Rock said, "We're losing everything. Nothing to show for it."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC8aex1ye5
Ziala whispered, "And Arlin is willing to leave us."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wVSCHOSfU
Rock stared into the distance, watching a few passersby. "No easy marks," he mumbled. Most in these streets seemed to be just as poor as them. Well, they had a home, but still were poor like them.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsaKF3kJpL
Strange how the gods favored some people some days and let others suffer on other days.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbNjfWSDdA
Today, it seemed the gods favored them.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuK2OY49J1
They saw him. A new person. Lost. Definitely had money. Well-dressed. Could afford to lose some coins and keep living.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCGIepTrGN
Rock knew he was the one.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDin5pQCn9
A low whistle, and he walked the opposite way of the mark, still whistling.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhgGn9fBcc
The mark noticed, surprised at the odd behavior of the wolf beastkin, but dismissed it and went another direction.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX0qL2Qwdf
Ziala was smaller, easy to miss. She followed on the side, hiding as best she could under a small cloak. She waited till the mark was annoyed and confused.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc4K2lCjVV
When they weren't able to find their way, she spoke. "You lost, mister?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsMSAYBJKu
The man shook and turned to her, seeing a little girl—at least he assumed so.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X9gfoqI3j
"No," he said. "I'm fine. Good day." And started to leave.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU05NYYchJ
"I know these streets. I can help you," she said friendly.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoucpueRjn
He stopped for a second, saw her dirt clothes, and sneered.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nTDYTurAo
"Listen, kid. It's bad enough I got turned around in a den where there's rats, but the last thing I need is beggars trying to guide me down a new alley filled with thieves." He said it with venom.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwFH2MsUI5
Ziala flinched at being called out. She wasn't proud of what they were, but every time being called that, it still hurt. Sometimes more when they looked like they had a better life.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W3P6gWvrT
She let out a low whistle and then smiled. "Sorry, mister. My mistake."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XIOFiuST7
The man was confused. Twice whistles. Are they mad?428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD5u47KwVC
He looked around, expecting to be mugged. But the area he was in was relatively clean and clear. There was no one around.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mW3EK4Oud
He thought.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqovmiczs6C
He went to glare at the little girl, but she was gone. He checked his purse—still there. He sighed. Freaks. That's why they're in the gutter.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI9ySXTXlo
He left for the open area where he should be free.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpjHjmlptt
But halfway there, darkness rose all around. It paralyzed him with fear and madness. All he could see were shadows. Day turned into pitch-black night.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuVilC8vLF
Terrifying him more.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGdCc7zhUJ
It felt like a warm embrace, as if it wanted to hold him and let him know everything would be okay.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas6OrD7Lpc
He was about to scream and run in a panic when it faded away.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sFwdmk1H5
It made no sense!428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfXvkAdb1n
Desperate to be free of the madness, he ran and eventually found the main road. Heavy breathing. Half-panicked.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOV0eBvpR7
When he saw others, he couldn't help but feel compelled to tell someone—anyone—what happened.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCfp13XPye
The few random passersby who listened to his rambling laughed.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyw6QdiKha
"You met the street rats, eh?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB36vhTSqW
"What?" he said, still panicked. "You're talking about the random poor filthy—"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLp2lGiSNa
"No," one of them said between a few laughs. "The street rats have got a system. Most know it and how to avoid them. They're harmless if you know what to watch for, but they target those with more money than sense."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbblN5gYTbG
The man, confused, finally registered their mockery and checked his pouch.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5USAdvuahT
It was gone.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGheI7tqNkH
First, he went cold. Then mad with rage.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobh3VAHA6F
"That was my potion money!" he shouted.428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCHAN1PoSv
The few men listening laughed and said, "Yeah, well, it's rats' food now. You have to be more mindful of your purse. Although I've never seen them hit the same person twice or target any poor, so just bad luck, friend. The gods can't favor everyone. Someone has to lose. Besides, just let the church know—they'll cover any loss."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPsVT3SIso
The man was still angry. "This has nothing to do with the gods! It's just thieves and rats in the streets! Why do the guards allow this?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUHuGfZZCH
"Um..." The last one still listening, as the rest had left, shrugged. "Still got to prove it first. Did you see who did it?"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8mH65H24O
"What?!" the angry man replied. "It was the street rats! Just shake them all, and one will have my coin!"428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCb4U9xapR
The last man shook his head, walking away. "That's not how it works. A lot of poor in the area. Can't just demand every one of them show any coin they have and hope you can prove it's your stolen coin."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnWh7acu3V
"Just stick to nicer areas. They got some codes to keep them from stalking there. They're easy to spot once you know what to look for, and they don't cause trouble."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgWVJtwAVj
"Well, no more than anyone else in a gutter. And as the others said, just see the church."428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMHhcu9vLE
He too walked away, leaving the man to stew in unresolved anger.
428Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfxQgqO242
and then Add to home screen.