Kassius: "Can you teach me how you did that?"
Mekai: "Hmm. I might. But first let's go grab a snack."
At noon, the sun shines brightly as Kassius and Mekai reach a restaurant and sit down with ice cream.
Kassius: "You said something about missing your chance of something earlier. What do you mean?"
Mekai: "Let me open your mind. Where we are right now, is merely a small part of the world. There is an outside world further than this small nation."
Kassius: "Really? That sounds awesome. Can I go there?"
Mekai "If only it were that simple. You see, this country is not strongly connected to the outside world for... reasons. So for us, strucken by poverty, there is really only one way to go there, and it's by becoming a member of Furantur."
Kassius: "That's it? What does this Furantur thing do?"
Mekai: "They steal."
Kassius: "Whoa!"
Man: "Well, it's mores an organisation of thieves. And at some point, you apply for the tests. Once you pass, you become a recognised thief of Furantur and get to leave this place."
Kassius: "How do I sign up?"
Mekai: "You?! No chance. Judging on your skill as a thief and combat wise, you would be sent on your way. Plus only entrees age sixteen and above are allowed anyway, so..."
Kassius: "Oh..."
Mekai: "But you do seem really strong willed. That's a start right?"
Kassius: "I guess."
Mekai: "Truth be told, I did kinda watch you the whole of yesterday."
Kassius: "What?!"
Mekai: "You really thought I didn't notice that you took my money?"
Kassius: "I hoped you didn't hehe."
Mekai: "Well, as it stands right now, I'm broke. I gotta get another job now. And I just quit my old one too. Ugh."
Kassius: "Wait! I won the bet. Where's my one thousand?"
Mekai: "Really? What happened to 'kill me' huh?"
Kassius: "That was before. This is now."
Mekai. "Truth be told, I'm actually dead broke. But I do have a better deal."
Kassius: "Don't trick me. Give me the money."
Mekai: "I swear, I don't have money. But listen, in replacement, I'll let you live in my home. It's better than living under a bridge, right?."
Kassius: "I guess it is..."
Mekai: "Alright, great. But you have to agree to one thing."
Kassius: "Agree to what?"
Mekai: "You'll do as I say."
Kassius: "What?"
Mekai: "I take you to my home, you listen to what I say. It's not unfair, is it?-"
Murmurs around them start forming.
Person 1: "Take him to his home? Listen to him? Miskeen."
Person 2: "Should we call the police?"
Mekai: "Hmm? What's going on?"
A lady walks up to them.
Lady: "Little boy, do you know this man?"
Kassius: "Uh..."
Mekai: "Hey lady, what's the problem?"
Lady: "Save it, you paedophile. We know what you are. Trying to kidnap this little boy, have you no shame?"
Mekai: "Paedophile? What the hell made you think that? Look, Susan."
Lady: "That's not even my name!"
Mekai: "OK Leslie. I'm not kidnapping this boy, you've got it all wrong."
Officer: "Is everything alright?"
Lady: "Officer. No. This paedophile kidnapper is attempting to victimise this young boy. Arrest him."
Mekai: "Whoa. Can you stop with the name calling? I'm not a paedophile."
Lady: "So you're admitting to being a kidnapper?!"
Mekai: "I did not say that."
Lady: "You didn't deny it."
Officer: "Alright, alright. That's enough. Mister Ventra. Haven't seen you since community service. Seems trouble always follows you."
Mekai: "I thought I wasn't gonna have to see you again."
Officer: "Likewise. You don't mind if I talk to the kid, do you?"
Mekai: "Be my guest."
The officer kneels to Kassius' eye level.
Officer 1: "Hello there. What's your name?"
Kassius: "Um... It's... Kassius."
Officer 1: "And how do you know Mister Ventra over there?"
Kassius: "Um... I..."
Officer: "Hey, don't be nervous. I'm only here to help."
Kassius: "He's... he's my cousin."
Officer: "Cousin, huh? And are you okay with your cousin?"
Kassius looks at Mekai, who's still arguing with the lady. He nods, as a response to the question.
Officer: "Alright, quit your bickering. Lady, it seems you may have misread the situation."
Lady: "Wha-"
Mekai: "Ha! Told you."
Officer: "However, I am still skeptical, due to your past records, so I will escort you home to confirm the facts for myself. You two, follow me. The rest of you, carry on."
As Kassius and Mekai follow the officer, Mekai turns back and looks directly at the lady, flipping her off. She gets agitated but the group around stopped her from charging at him. They reach the car, enter it and drive off.
Officer: "Memories, ain't that right, Mister Ventra? Hahaha!"
Mekai: "Hilarious."
As the sun sets on the horizon, Kassius and Mekai had reach a place on the outskirts of the city with the officer.
Officer: "So this is your child too, Jumary?"
Woman: "Yes."
The officer is talking to a lady called Jumary. She about 5"10, a little overweight, tanned skin, curly black hair tied in a ponytail, wearing sandals, brown trousers, a white shirt, with an apron on, and a bandana.
Officer: "Well, I'm just glad I can confirm the facts. You know, with Mister Ventra..."
Aunt Jumary: "I know. I completely understand. I'll make sure to have a long talk about this."
Officer: "Mister Ventra, do mind what you say in public."
Mekai: "Will do, officer."
Jumary: "Mekai...!"
Mekai: "Alright, alright. I'll mind what I say."
Officer: "Alright. I'll be heading out now. Thanks for the cooperation as always."
The officer heads back into his car and leaves.
Aunt Jumary: "Mekai! What the hell are ya still doing here?!"
Mekai: "Relax Aunt Jumary. I failed this year."
Aunt Jumary: "You failed?! What a miracle! Thank you God. I knew my prayers would work. Does that mean you'll fi-"
Mekai: "I'm taking the exam next year."
Aunt Jumary: "Shit!"
Mekai: "Is my room still open?"
Aunt Jumary: "Your room? Yeah it's not been touched yet. Guess I have to tell the kids to wait another year though."
She throws him the keys to his room.
Aunt Jumary: "The kid can stay here, but he's your responsibility. Boy. Whats your name?"
Kassius: "Kassius."
Aunt Jumary: "Well, Kassius. Welcome to our home. If you're ever hungry, just knock on my door, alright?"
Kassius and Mekai enter the apartment. It is a one room, one kitchen and one toilet apartment. He has a double decker bed and fan on the side.
Kassius: "This room is so nice."
Mekai: "Really? Thanks. Usually Aunt Jumary says I live like a homeless person."
Kassius's stomach rumbles.
Mekai: "I think somebody's a little bit hungry."
Kassius: "Uh.... it's alright. I'm not tha-"
Mekai: "Don't be so nervous. I promised you a home. And part of a home is the food. If you need something, the fridge is there in the kitchen. I'm going to take a shower."
Mekai enters the bathroom and Kassius looks in the fridge.
Kassius: "So much food. Maybe this? Or this? Oooooh. How about this?!"
Kassius pulls out chicken and rice. He takes a bite.
Kassius (in head): "It's cold..."
Mekai turns on the shower. Just as he's about to get ready,
Kassius: "Is there anything to drink?"
Mekai: "Ahh! What the? How'd you get in here?"
Kassius: "I picked the lock. Sorry, I was asking for help but you couldn't hear me."
Mekai: "It's all good, just don't do that again, please hahaha."
Mekai realises something and smells Kassius.
Mekai: "It's not too strong but you still smell a bit. How long has it been since you've taken a shower?"
Kassius: "I don't know."
Mekai: "Well, if you want to shower first, be my guess."
Kassius: "Um, I don't know how to shower."
Mekai: "No problem. Just go in, and I'll take you through it, step by step."
Kassius nods his head. He enters the shower and pulls the curtain. Mekai on the otherside takes Kassius through showering. After Kassius finishes, he's handed the towel and gets out. Mekai heads in and showers himself. Afterwards, they both exit the bathroom.
Kassius: "The water was so warm, but it's so cold now."
Mekai: "Here."
Mekai throws Kassius some clothes.
Mekai: "They're too small for me now. so you can have them."
Kassius: "Whoa, really?!"
Mekai: "You stay with me now. So what's mine is yours. Well, sometimes anyway. Also, I forgot to tell you. To warm the food you put it in the microwave over there and set it to a minute."
Kassius: "What?"
Mekai: "Here."
Mekai warms the plate of food and gives it to Kassius. Kassius sits on the floor near the bed and starts eating.
Mekai: "I'm starting to notice something. Do you have any education?"
Kassius: "Enducat... what?"
Mekai: "Did you ever go to school?"
Kassius: "Oh. Yes, not for long though. I got kicked out for fighting."
Mekai: "Seems you've always been fighting. Have you trained before?"
Kassius: "No."
Mekai: "How about stealing? I mean, I noticed it but that was me. You could've fooled any regular person."
Kassius: "Can I tell you a secret?"
Mekai: "Of course."
Kassius: "I... sometimes steal, even when I don't want to."
Mekai: "What?"
Kassius: "Like, I steal, but not on purpose. It sounds like a lie, but I pro-"
Mekai: "No, I believe you. I think I know what you're talking about."
Kassius: "Really? Is it curable?"
Mekai: "Curable? I don't think so. But why would you want to cure it? It sounds very handy if I'm being honest. You have a skill."
Mekai (in head): "Just like him, huh?..."
Kassius: "But it's not something I can control, so what good is it?"
Mekai: "Let me ask you something. Do you have a dream? The goal kind of dream."
Kassius: "I don't know."
Mekai: "And earlier. Were you really serious about signing up for Furantur? You'll have to become a thief."
Kassius: "I... don't know either."
Mekai: "Hmm. Then I guess we know what we have to do. For the rest of my time here, I'll teach you what I know and after it all, you'll decide what you want to do with your life. Does that sound like a plan?"
Kassius: "Mhm."
Mekai: "Good. Now that you're here, the bottom bunk is mine. You can sleep on the top one."
Kassius climbs up and lies down. Mekai turns off the light and lies down on his bed too.
Kassius: "...Thank you..."
Mekai: "No problem. Goodnight."
Kassius: "Goodnight."
Mekai: "Also, happy birthday for yesterday."
Kassius smiles and closes his eyes. Daybreak arrives, and the sun shines in on the room. An alarm starts ringing and Mekai falls out of bed. Kassius falls out of bed shook too and lands on Mekai. Mekai stops the alarm.
Mekai: "Don't worry. It's just the alarm, ow."
Kassius: "How does it do that?"
Mekai: "Electricity. You'll learn more about that later. I have books on these types of things in that cabinet. Anyways let's get ready. Today is your first day of training."
They both enter the bathroom. Mekai and Kassius brush their teeth together. They both get dressed and start eating together. After they are done, they exit the apartment room and Mekai locks the door.
Mekai: "You ready?"
Kassius: "I think so."
Mekai and Kassius start jogging and continue until they reach the city. They arrive at a crowded place and hide in the alley way.
Mekai: "The herd is gathered in one place. Your first lesson is to always use the crowd. In a crowd, you are less likely to be spotted. Walk in there and see how much you can steal."
Kassius walks out the alley and enters the crowd.
Kassius: "Sorry... excuse me..."
Kassius exits the crowd on the other side and has a wallet with him
Kassius (in head): "Whoa! I did it."
Man: "Hey you! Stop right there!"
Kassius gulps and runs off. He gets chased by more people and runs into an alley. As Kassius tries running further, Mekai pulls him behind a trash bin.
Man: "Hey, where'd you go? Dammit!"
Mekai: "Phew."
They both get out from hiding when the man leaves the alley.
Kassius: "I thought I almost got away with it."
Mekai: "You aren't as smooth with the steal. It's like they can feel you taking it. I'll give it a 3/10. Let's go try something else."
Mekai and Kassius jog back and go further out from the outskirts into the woods. They reach a spacious area.
Kassius: "Wait... I'm exhausted."
Mekai: "You need to improve your stamina. You could be on the run for a long time before the situation dies down. That's part of the job, escaping."
Kassius: "Can't I just fight back? Why do I have to run?"
Mekai: "Well, sometimes you can fight. But other times, youll be overwhelmed and won't escape. It's good to know when the advantage isn't in your favor. But since we're talking fighting, show me how well you can fight. I'll just evade so attack me with all you have."
Kassius starts throwing punches and kicks but Mekai evades quite easily.
Mekai: "Cmon. Surely there's more."
Kassius attacks with much more ferocity but Mekai still evades him, even tripping him in the end.
Mekai: "Hmm, you have the spirit but the not the skill. Unfortunately spirit can only take you so far. We'll have to work on that extra hard."
Mekai and Kassius arrive at the apartment and shower. They get changed and sit on the floor. Mekai brings food and books.
Mekai: "Try this one. It's about multiplication. I'm not so good at math but I am pretty alright at geography."
Kassius: "Mekai..."
Mekai: "Yeah?"
Kassius: "I... don't know how to read well. Or write."
Mekai: "Really? You werent in school for long then, I guess. We'll work on that too."
Mekai stands up.
Mekai: "Today, I've learnt a bit about your strengths and weaknesses. We'll slot times through the week and I'll teach you as much as I can. Are you ready to begin training?"
Kassius: "Yes!"
Mekai: "Great. Then it's time to get to work."
Somebody knocks on the door. Mekai goes to open it and it's Aunt Jumary.
Aunt Jumary: "Can we talk?"
Mekai goes outside with Aunt Jumary.
Mekai: "So about the kid, if it's about food and stuff, I don't mind sharing my rations w-"
Aunt Jumary: "It's not about that. I just want to offer to help take care of him like I do the other kids."
Mekai: "Don't worry. I'll be just fine. Besides, how hard is it to take care of one kid for a year?"
Aunt Jumary: "Fine, but just don't let him do dangerous things. Especially..."
Mekai: "I won't. I promise."
On the first month:
Mekai: "Keep your kicks high and your punches at body level."
Kassius starts kicking higher and punches more at body level however Mekai is still evading.
Mekai: "Very good."
On the third month:
Kassius: "Watch this."
Kassius enters the crowd and walks through. He exits and has a lot of items on him. Kassius runs to the nearest alley and meets up with Mekai.
Kassius: "You see that?"
Mekai: "Where's your wallet?"
Kassius pats himself all over.
Kassius: "Dammit. Did-"
Mekai: "Yeah..."
On the sixth month:
Kassius: "The... water... passes uh... passes-"
Mekai: "Down-"
Kassius: "Down the mountain!"
Mekai: "Good."
On the eight month:
Kassius (in head): "The crowd is your friend."
Kassius walks through the crowd and exits on the other side. He walks to the alley and drops all he stole, holding up a wallet.
Mekai: "That's more like it."
On the tenth month:
Kassius: "Check this."
Kassius starts breathing heavily, inhaling and exhaling. He starts to slowly approach Mekai and Mekai instantly walks up to Kassius and trips him.
Kassius: "Hey! What gives?"
Mekai (in head): "I didn't even teach him that yet..."
Mekai: "That move. I'm impressed but never use it unless it's necessary."
Kassius: "Why?"
Mekai: "It's very heavy on the body, so as you are right now, it would do more harm than good. Also, in a fight, it is very hard to pull off."
Kassius: "Ok."
Mekai: "Time to head home."
Kassius: "Already?!"
On the final day, Kassius and Mekai attend a dinner that all the apartment residents attend. It is a dinner hosted by Aunt Jumary. A huge table is set outside, with a feast. Many people are in attendance, both kids and adults. They all start eating and celebrating. Kassius starts eating a lot of food.
Kid 1: "Slow down, you'll choke for sure."
Kid 2: "Yeah, get him some water."
All the kids start laughing.
Kassius: "I can't help it. The food is so good."
Kid 3: "I wish we could eat like this everyday."
Kassius: "When I become a thief, I'll make sure to send you guys money so you can eat as much as you want."
Mekai chokes on his food.
Kid 4: "A thief?! Like Big bro Mekai? Whoa! That's cool."
Aunt Jumary overhears this and gets frustrated.
Aunt Jumary: "Mekai. I need help with the clothes quickly. Come help me."
Mekai: "Uhm, alright."
The table goes quiet as Mekai and Aunt Jumary walk away. People murmur on what happened but everyone remained confused. They reach the rooftop and she lights a cigarette.
Aunt Jumary: "I asked you nicely... not to do it. And you still did it. It's like it goes through one ear and out the other. Why?! Why did you ignore my request?!"
Mekai: "Because you're wrong about this. I have a feeling about him..."
Aunt Jumary: "A feeling?! Mekai, are you so stubborn that you can't see the problem with this?! You draw a kid into a life of crime, and your reason is 'feeling'?"
Mekai: "What does it matter? It's like with me, you kept complaining about 'life of crime' but I'm always fine.Why are you so worried anyways?!"
Aunt Jumary: "Because I care about you, Mekai! I care about you all. Look, sometimes it's hard to tell but I do. And when I see you risk your life for no reason, it breaks me inside. It makes me feel as though I'm not doing enough. What more can I do to convince you to not go? I managed to keep all the other children in check, but you... you just won't budge. What is there to gain from this? What could you possibly want?"
Mekai: "What I want... is not here. Look, it's not you. It's never been you. I just can't remain in the same place forever. Does it not disturb you, like it does me? I mean, all we ever do is eat, work, sleep. In the same place, every single, damn day. And not comfortably either. You struggle to make ends meet. I've noticed for the longest. I want out, you want out, we all do. But I obviously can't afford to. Neither can you, or all the others here. So if this is the way to help our situation, then so be it. And Kassius. I've seen it up close myself. He's like me. It's almost as though we were born for this. So this... this is our only path."
Aunt Jumary: "This is was he said too... and look now."
Mekai: "..."
Aunt Jumary: "I may struggle to make ends meet, but as long as all the kids are fed, that's all I need in life. Not some imaginary dream of wealth. The riches I have are all the children I raise every day. But you know that. This whole thing, was not only about us. I know I can't convince you, but this kid has probably seen enough hardship, so talk him out of it. Sometimes it's just not worth it, Mekai."
Aunt Jumary puts out her cigarette and throws it as she walks away. Kassius hiding on the roof sits in silence after eavsdropping. Later on, in the early morning before the tests, Kassius and Mekai both are sitting up at a hill during the sunrise and are eating some food.
Kassius: "If you don't mind me asking, if you were in the apartment alone before me, why do you have two beds?"
Mekai: "Well... there was somebody before you... My older brother."
Kassius: "Brother?"
Mekai: "Yeah. He was the coolest. Even cooler than me. Five years ago, when I was thirteen, he was the one taking care of me. He also went for the test but just a day later... they brought his dead body to my door, telling me he took his own life."
Kassius: "I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
Mekai: "It's alright. We all lost someone important to us at some point, no? I can't dwell on the past and get shackled down by it. Otherwise I won't be able to move forward. That's what he'd always say. You know, when he died, I felt like I had no purpose too. But he always told me that the world is built like that. It throws obstacles your way in order to put a price on the one thing that shouldn't be priced."
Kassius looks in awe and remembers his mother's words.
Mekai: "That's why I don't mind becoming a criminal of the world. Because the one thing I won't let them make me pay for is my freedom. I'll shake the world to its core. The greatest thief to ever live. Steal the riches and live how I please. I know today is my last day so before I forget to ask, did you figure out what you want to do? You know, being a thief doesn-"
Kassius: "Stop. I know what you're doing and it won't work."
Kassius stares onto the horizon, and gets on his feet.
Kassius: "At first, I didn't know for sure. But now I do. Now I'm certain. I'm going to become a thief. I'll become so great, the world won't be able to stop me. I'll get to go anywhere, and eat anything, and I'll send money back to support Aunt Jumary and the others. I'll be the greatest, greater than even you, so great, the world will never forget me."
The morning sun shines on Kassius as he cheerfully laughs.
Mekai: "Big dreamer I see. Greater than me?"
Kassius: "Mhm. And stronger too."
Mekai: "That's some level to reach, don't you think?"
Kassius: "I'll have to if I want to be the greatest right? Hehe."
Mekai: "Fine. Since you said it, I have one last challenge for you. You down for it?"
Kassius: "Alright."
Mekai gives him his wallet.
Mekai: "It's old and kinda odd looking but-"
Kassius: "The quality is on the inside, not the outside."
Mekai: "Looks like somebody's been paying attention. Make sure to always keep it with you. It's my gift to you. Keep it safe with your life. That's the challenge."
Kassius: "Is that it?"
Mekai: "That and..."
Kassius: "Hmm?"
Mekai: "From the first day you appear on the news, four years from that time, I'd expect you'd have become a thief so infamous the whole world will hear your name right? How strong will you be, hmm? If you beat me, you can take all my riches. But if you lose, I'll take all of yours. Mekai Ventra versus Kassius Moore. The ultimate battle of thieves. The biggest bet in the world, and of our lives. Does that sound good to you?"
Kassius: "Four years? Is that even enough time..."
Mekai: "Oh. Is someone backing out?"
Kassius: "No way! I'll do it."
Kassius smiles and takes the wallet.
Mekai: "Well, it looks like it's time for me to head out. You stay in that apartment for as long as you need. Make sure to keep it clean."
Mekai stands up and Kassius stands in front of him.
Mekai: "Also, when you enter the institution, make a friend. Don't be a loner like me hehe."
Kassius: "Why? Can't I just stay on my own?"
Mekai: "Trust me, you'll thank me one day for this."
Kassius: "Alright..."
Mekai: "Good."
Mekai puts his fist out.
Mekai: "Congratulations. You've graduated from the Mekai training camp."
Kassius smiles gives him a fist bump. Mekai starts walking away.
Kassius: "Wait!"
Mekai turns around and sees Kassius smiling and crying.
Kassius: "Don't die!"
Mekai turns around.
Mekai: "Don't worry. I won't."
Mekai (in head): "Tough on the outside but still..."
Kassius wipes the tears off of his face and Mekai waves him off. Five years later, the day before the tests, Kassius sits in front of his mother's grave at night.
Kassius: "Hey mom. I brought you flowers... How I'm doing? I'm great. I've been practicing my reading and writing, I'm practically a master at it. And my fighting has gotten better too. I know you never did like me fighting but I have to learn how to protect myself, you know. What else... ahh, I almost forgot. Tomorrow, I'm going to take the test and become a thief. I know, I know. It sounds bad but I promise, I won't harm innocent people. Look... it may have not been the exact life you probably wanted for me but I wouldn't have met Mekai if you hadn't pushed through as long as you did. For that, I'm eternally grateful... Well, I have to get going. This may be the last time in a while I'll visit. Just wanted you to know, I love you. Rest in peace mom."
Voice: "Kassius?"
Kassius: "Huh?"
Voice: "Kassius? Kassius!"
In present time, Kassius wakes up to somebody knocking on his door.
Arnold: "Kassius!"
Kassius: "Coming."
Kassius rushes to the door and opens it.
Arnold: "Were you sleeping?"
Kassius: "Yeah."
Arnold: "We have to meet downstairs with everybody right now. Let's go."