Alleyways are part of houses, streets, and in any human living places because there are two sides to everything: the bright side and the dark side. Where there is a front there is a back.
And alleyways or alleys are the back, the dark side.
You can say it's somewhat similar to the Slums in the way that lost people tend to naturally converge there.
Where beggars and poor people alike tend to secretly reside in and pass the night in within villages, towns, and cities. A cold, damp, filthy, and dangerous place were the synonyms attached to these alleys, yet nonetheless they were simply known as homes for some. But of course, there is a balance of bright alleyways too.
When one enters the alleys, it's like entering a whole new world. Sure it's dark and gloomy-looking because the sun is blocked majority of the time by the buildings, it still seems mysterious. As its structure is very complex and easy to get lost in, they are like mazes where it's hard to find one's way around in them.
But once anyone masters the way within the alleys, they will become the Master of the Alleys.
Why?
For example, if someone is being chased by a person, or even a group of people, they can easily maneuver their way around the alleyway unlike their chaser meaning that they can easily lose them and even counterattack against them if that someone has the ability.
That's what it means to be the Master of the Alleys. The paths of alleyways are in the palm of their hands. They can attack and retreat; throw anyone off their tail; and survey everyone's movements and actions in the alley.
However, it is not easily to become the Master of the Alleys as there are many alleys, and most importantly, it is not easy to remember every path that are in the alley, even people who have lived their whole lives in one alley can still get lost. This proves how difficult of a challenge this attainment is. Another thing is, majority of people---whether they live in the alleys, slums, or neither---never wander deeply into the alleyways.
They don't dare.
There was once a few kids that wanted to play in the alleys and wandered too far in, they were never seen again. Their families were heart-broken and scared witless. This added one more reason why people don't dare to go into the alleys at all.
No one knows why. But the alleyways have always seemed very mysterious, it was obviously part of any place that have human settlements that have buildings and houses, yet for a strange, unknown reason, they were very complex and intrinsic. Even though obviously no one had deliberately planned to make alleyways the way it is presently. It became like that all on its own. It's like the humans had unintentionally built a completely new world. A completely new world that connects an entire town, village, or city together, where a person can go and arrive anywhere in that place using the alleys.
Though of course the above mentioned last line isn't known to the masses or particularly anyone, since who can even go into the alleys and ever get out? Let alone know this fun fact?
It was one of the greatest mysteries gossiped about by all people, just like the Death's Labyrinth and the secret capital.
Now to one of the many uncountable entrances of the alley in a large town known for their half-year 'round beautiful cherry blossoms and delicious juicy peaches.
In an alleyway where there stood multiple trashcans, two small figures can be spotted scavenging through the leftovers of other's meal and trash people had thrown away, doing their best to get their meal for the day.
The taller of the two, a boy called Ignor, was going through one of the trashcans when he suddenly stopped. His nose twitched and a bright grin stretched across his face. Then with greater vigor than before, he dug into the trashcan and pulled out a half-eaten apple, bruised banana, burnt fish, and bones that still had a teensy bit of meat on them. Ignor's grin widened even more, stretching his lips to the limit, as he hurriedly called out to his companion eagerly, in excitement and relief.
The other kid with him stopped what she was doing and darted to Ignor's side as she salivated at the sight of the feast her friend had found.
Rising his chin up proudly, Ignor loudly boasted, "Look here, Is! This here will be our meal tonight! Aren't I awesome!" Then to show off how cool he is, Ignor took on a heroic pose with one fisted hand in the air and his other arm stuffed with their serendipitous feast for the day.
Is rapidly shook her head up and down as her sight locked onto the food in Ignor's arms. "Awesome! Awesome, awesome, super awesome! Ignor is the best!"
Food is the greatest temptation in life—an acknowledged fact by everyone. It can turn even the strongest man into the meekest lamb. Let alone a shy girl like Is.
Living as orphans is not an easy task. Having to rummage through people's trash and waste just to get through the day and survive. Having to live day to day never knowing when they'll die from starvation or kidnapped and sold.
Wishing for a full belly only to be disappointed when waking up to find that they were still hungry. This was the daily life of orphans without a family, having to sleep on the streets and get treated like dogs and rats.
Ignor and Is are two orphaned children who had met by accident and since then roved together. Though it was mostly Ignor looking out for Is.
Ignor, presently, is 10 years old. He has been roaming the streets and alleys since he was 5 after his grandma died (his parents died not long after he was born so his grandma took him in). Although Ignor used to have a family, he was surprisingly quick to adapt to the new environment he was exposed to suddenly.
He was quick-witted and intelligent for his age and social standing. So much so that he was able to blend in with the other street-roamers almost immediately.
Roaming the town, Ignor was able to memorize the terrain like the back of his hand. When he fights with other kids, with or without families, he could easily escape if the other party was too strong for him or if they gang up on him. If he ever encounters troubles like kidnappers he would take advantage of his knowledge of the town layout to lose them.
He could be considered a pro in this town at surviving and escaping.
It was about a year and some months ago that he found Is. Is doesn't quite count as an orphan as her family was still alive. Then why was she here, struggling to live? Simple, her family had abandoned her.
She was an abandoned child.
And since Ignor was the one to find her, he felt that he had to take responsibility to look after the poor thing. Besides, being alone was lonely so it's better to have a companion with him. He was more than capable enough to look out for himself and an additional person.
Now to the present situation.
Since this morning til evening Ignor and Is have not eaten and were about to faint from hunger. It was an experience the duo had often so they were used to it, however, that doesn't mean they will just give up on the brief hope of finding food.
They were determined to fill their belly, even if only by 1/1000.
So now that they had a good meal, Ignor and Is went to find an alley to shelter in for the night.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
"Drink up!" Arlo raised a jar of wine up into the air, causing the wine to swirl and spill a little.
"Taking a break from time to time is a must, a necessary," Arlo emphasized to Abner who was beside him drinking a cup of wine of his own. Abner did not respond, but he agreed in his heart, taking in a mouthful of wine.
"Everyone! We won't leave 'til we drop down drunk over our heads!" Arlo over excitedly said whatever was on his mind as he stepped one foot onto the table he and Abner sat at. A bout of assenting vociferous voices immediately followed.
All the men in the bar Arlo and Abner was in merrily drunk away their mind and reason. As more and more joined in the fun led by Arlo, the tavern bar area became super lively, voices chatting over one another, drunken men danced together messily.
"—Ahha, hhahaha!" Arlo laughed crazily.
How had it come to this? Abner asked himself as he silently watched the ongoing chaos at the same table Arlo was currently stepping on.
Abner and Arlo had come to this big town known for their beautiful cherry blossoms and delicious peaches while on their hunt for the Care Program Service's trail which they believe would lead them to the Mono organization's trail.
On the way, Arlo out of the blue started complaining about craving for a drink. And since Abner too hadn't drunk ever since he was reborn, Abner decided to go for a few drinks as well.
Now as he watched Arlo, Abner came to this conclusion.
Mercenaries are great drinkers. Adventurers are merry drinkers. Killers are deadly drinkers. Assassins are elegant drinkers. Apparently thieves are crazy drinkers.
Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
Numerous pairs of feet started stomping, showcasing great jolly and bursting contentment. Soon, more and more people joined in on the stomping, resulting in the tavern's bar section to tremble. Whereas the people above and around the tavern jolted in shock, wondering what had made those people so exhilarated.
Gulp, gulp, gulp.
Finishing the jar of wine in his hands in three gulps, Arlo swiped away the wine on his lips and burst out a satisfied smile, ordering for more jars of wine from the server.
"Why don't you come down from the table now?" Abner calmly raised his head and looked at Arlo's image that was projecting a wild and unrestrained feeling.
Although Arlo appears as if he was drunk out of his mind, in reality, he was not drunk at all---only lightly intoxicated. Somewhat like a sugar rush.
Stumbling a little as he lifted his foot off the tabletop, Arlo fell down onto his chair with a loud thud. Turning to Abner, Arlo smirked and said, "Wanna go?"
After staying silent and motionless for a few seconds, Abner raised the jar of wine Arlo handed him a moment before and clinked it against Arlo's. The corner of Abner's lip unconsciously rose up into a seductive smirk as a glint of light flashed in his eyes, "Let's drink until we drop."
Sometimes, it's fine to go crazy.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Late at night when the moon is at its peak. Two figures can be spotted trudging along the empty street. Whether it was because they have nowhere to stay in or that they were just going for a late-night stroll, the couple was clearly intoxicated.
Though not drunk nor devoid of reason and logic.
As Abner and Arlo traveled down the street, Arlo was leaning on Abner's shoulder. Not because he can't walk stably, but because he was being lazy.
As they took their time and enjoyed the peaceful night, a sharp sound disturbed the peace and quiet, raising alarms in Abner and Arlo.
A sharp cry like that of someone asking for help.
Abner and Arlo glanced at each other simultaneously like they had read each other's mind and had agreed upon it. Arlo took his arm off Abner's shoulder and ran off into the closest alleyway with Abner closely behind him.
Although both Abner and Arlo seemed concerned about the party calling for help, in truth, they were only curious and being cautious. They would not lend out a helping hand to everyone as it was a stupid practice if they did.
Abner's eyes were sharp and piercing, like one of a predator's yet not at the same time. He was not like a predator hunting for his prey, more like, it was the sharp gaze of a beast being wary. He sped up as he entered the alley, the voice that had called out getting louder and louder, meanwhile, other voices that were merely a windy whisper upon the ear started revealing themselves.
"Let go of her!"
Poof...
"Hm, what can a kid like you do anyway? Even your punches feel weak."
"Ignor! Save me! Wuwu..."
"You jerk! Kidnapper! Let Is go or you'll regret it!"
"Hahaha! Grab him. We're going n....!"
Bite! "Ouch!" A voice filled with utmost anger and malice pierced through the alley.
Smack! The loud sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed within the alley, drawing a clear image of what might've happened.
"You brat dare to bite me! Be careful I don't beat you to death! It's not like one less child taken is a big deal, I'll just have to find another one."
Punch! Punch! Hit! Smack! Kick!
"Nooo! Ignor! Stop it! You'll kill him...wu..."
The relentless sounds of beating never stopped for a moment, the strong cries of the victim slowly quietened down as their voice got weaker and weaker.
"Now you know to be quiet! Now you know to be obedient!" The sick voice of the man who was beating the young boy---Ignor---into a bloody pulp clearly sounded pleasured and satisfied. His sick and insane mind had him pound on Ignor no matter how weak the other's breathing got---he truly is going to kill Ignor.
It was at that moment, although he was immersed in his fun, the insane man backed off and dodged to the side right as a kick aimed at his head arrived at the spot where his head used to be at. Although his heart pounded, the man wasn't very shocked or scared. Lifting his head, the insane man stuck out his tongue in a disgusting manner, his two underlings shook off the shock they were covered in and hurriedly took their place behind their leader.
The person that was currently being stared at with vicious eyes by the insane man and his minions slowly, yet leisurely, turned his head to look at the three opponents. Although his face was shrouded in darkness so that his features couldn't be clearly seen, his pair of striking violet-purple eyes conspicuously shone with calm. A hidden danger hidden within that calm.
The two minions subconsciously shivered as an icy-cold chill ran up their spine, rousing danger and confusion in their hearts. The insane man's heart also skipped a beat upon coming into contact with Abner's gaze, however, he immediately dismissed it.
Fury.
Inside Abner's heart was fury. If it was a man, or a woman, he wouldn't have felt this way, but they were just children. Poor, innocent children who doesn't deserve any of this cruelty. Just seeing this scene made him recall something from his past which Abner forcefully removed out of his head. Focusing on the present situation, Abner launched forward in action.
Arlo who had just arrived at the scene even though he had a head start was just in time to see the following fight scene. And since he can't fight, he can only stand to the side and watch as Abner easily take down the two minions of the insane man who both rushed to engage in a fight with Abner by the insane man's order.
Soon, Arlo turned his attention to the two children he had initially ignored. The girl was brawling her eyes out at the young boy's side who's breathing was weak but readily stabilizing in a slow manner.
Pitiful children. Arlo thought to himself indifferently. He walked to them and squatted down.
Although Arlo isn't proficient in the art of healing and medicine, he can still diagnose and treat nonlife-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile on Abner's side, the two minions pounced at him with their daggers and knives. Contrary to what their appearance tells people, the two were actually pretty skilled. Their techniques and the way they handle their dagger clearly tells of fine skill.
However, when faced with Abner, they stood no chance even if he is not on the same level as his last life.
In fluid movements, Abner managed to steal the dagger out of one of the men's hand and cut across his throat, insta-killing his opponent. Then with his next move he stabbed deeply into the second man's heart multiple times.
Thud!
The two men collapsed to the ground dead simultaneously. Not even a little out of breath, Abner turned to look at the insane man only to find him missing!
That man had run away while Abner was dealing with his two underlings. At that time he could sense the danger Abner was exuding from his many years of dealing with life and death situations., that's why he knew he had to run because he was no match for him.
Traversing through the alleys, the insane man panted as he ran. His expression was one of panic and fear of his possible doom. He sprinted like his life was on the line, zipping along the path, going left and right with no sense of direction. Even though he knows he will get lost this way, he didn't stop. He couldn't. Not when he knows what will happen if he does.
Even when faced with the greater possibility that he would be trapped within the alleys if he continues his current actions, the insane man was more fearful of the less possibility that Abner would catch up to him.
When it comes to fighting, he was inferior to his underlings, however, when it comes to sensing danger, he is superior to even his superiors.
It was in the middle of his thoughts when his heart leaped and his stomach dropped, a feeling of horror and death swept through his body. And although he knows he shouldn't look back, the man slowed to a stop subconsciously and glanced back with eyes wide in apprehensive anticipation.
Out of the shadows, a foot stepped out. Then step by step, the rest of the person's body came out of the shadow until only the face is what couldn't be seen.
The insane man's heart pounded loudly in his ears, it throbbed painfully. To him, instead of the image before him looking mysterious, it looked more like a scene out of a horror movie.
No matter how tough the insane man's metal fortitude is, in the face of looming death, his mind went blank and his body started to uncontrollably tremble.
A streak of purple slashed by and everything went black.