Ch.4:

Jay's POV

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The air is hot and suffocating, topped off with a pungent smell of toxic waste and who knows what else rotting along the streets.

Mari's hand interlaces with my own. She glances around and I watch her eyes land on a dead cat in the street, being eaten and swarmed by flies and ants.

"Poor kitty," Mari whispers.

"It's a shame, really. We could've eaten him if we got here sooner," I sigh with a teasing grin. She slaps my arm playfully.

Of course, eating a dead animal on the street would be stupid, despite how tempting it may be. Animals here are ridden by horrible diseases that involve some of the most disgusting, painful deaths known to man.

"Hm. Let's take a train to the marketplace. I have a good feeling about today," I say.

The marketplace is filled with all kinds of people, from the wealthy to the poor. With success, Mari and I can pickpocket a good amount of money. The only problem is, having money for the train is a luxury for us. Walking there can take hours, and for the longest time Mari hasn't been strong enough to make the trip.

We move on quietly. Mari skips along side me humming, still holding my hand. Her body seems to shiver with excitement. The train has always been a special treat for her.

Hah. Who am I kidding? It's a special occasion for me as well. I tend to imagine that we're not just simply taking the train to the marketplace, but somewhere far away and distant. Somewhere where the air is fresh and sweet, food that is rich, and best of all, unlimited freedom. I've never lived outside of this place before, but I still have a good sense of what the outside looks like. Well, the places that I want to be, that is.

"You think too hard," Mari giggles, flicking my forehead.

I smile. "Oh, hah. Sorry."

"Your forehead always creases when you're thinking hard. And you also creepily stare into space, thank god you weren't accidentally staring at someone this time."

I roll my eyes. "You're exaggerating."

"Buy me a camera and I'll show you!"

I buy two tickets at the booth. We're just in time for the train and are the first ones to climb aboard.

Mari pulls my forward with such force I stumble a little. "Let's go in the back!"

Most people would prefer the front, but Mari claims that the seats in the back are always the comfiest. The ride isn't very scenic at all, (or any place in this cursed city), but Mari and I gaze through the window in awe as if it was the most beautiful view in the world. And it is ours for about 45 minutes.

Mari sighs in disappointment when the train stops and we have to get off. I pat her head. "Someday, we'll take a train to the ends of the Earth."

Her eyes sparkle. "You mean that?"

"Uhh huh," I mumble. A surge of guilt ripples through my chest. I'm sharing my next to impossible dreams with my little sister. It may make us happy now, but we'll just end heartbroken and defeated in the end. I guess a part of me has always been that way.

Way to be a sadistic little asshole, I think angrily.

Pick pocketing is a gold mine today. From Mari performing the act of inducing pity from anyone who walks past her, people seem to throw money at her. She's also much stealthier than me when stealing the pouches on belts of those lost in the crowd. She's so little and quiet it's like she was never there.

I'm a little too old and uh, well, not exactly frail looking to have people pitying me. To most of these rich adults, I'm some dirty teenage kid looking to steal some money. They're completely right.

On the other hand, flirting with girls is my best trick in the book. As Mari does what she does best, I walk around the sidelines to find a girl. I spot one with short, black hair and porcelain skin. Her lips are full and covered with an expensive, cherry red lipstick. In short, she's hot. And rich.

I give her my most charming smile as I walk up to her. The girl's cheeks turn pink.

"Has anyone ever told you how lovely you are?" I say, plucking a flower from a barrel full of them beside me. I tuck it behind her ear and smile.

"Th- thank you," she squeaks.

"What's your name?"

"Opal."

"Beautiful. My name's Jay."

I talk her into buying Mari and I an expensive lunch down the road. As we eat, I tell her our sob story. (Let's just say Opal was the one who was crying).

"I can't thank you enough," I say.

"Oh, I wish I could do more. Here's all I have in the pouch at the moment, it'll buy you guys some decent clothes or more food," Opal says, practically shoving the money into my arms. She hesitates and looks me in eye hopefully. "I'll see you again, won't I?"

I grin and give her a wink. "Of course," I lie. I don't plan on seeing her ever again, though.

By the time we call it quits and head to the train station, the sky is getting dark.

"Wish we could stay here longer," Mari sighs.

"Staying here too long puts a risk of getting caught. People will get suspicious," I reply.

When I arrive at the ticket booth, I smile at the lady in it. "Two tickets to Craydon, please."

"I'm sorry, but that train left about five minutes ago," the woman replies.

I curse under my breath, but take a deep breath to calm down. "Alright, when's the next train to Craydon?"

"Two weeks."

My mouth gapes open. "Two weeks!?"

That never happens. There's usually trains to Craydon and back here every day. How unlucky can we get?

Mari and I look for a secluded alley to sleep in, despite the loads of money jingling in our pockets. A part of me is very stubborn to spend it unless we absolutely need something. That way, it'll last longer.

But after looking at Mari, who's bright eyes have turned dull and exhausted, while her carefree skip has turned to a drag of her feet.

"We'll find a cheap motel," I decide. "But only for a night or two."

She gives me a tired smile. "Sounds great."