The blazing sun was hanging above the sky, bringing the hot summer heat to the people below. Small buildings were loosely connected across the street. Barely any figure could be seen walking here.
The only one who's still wandering the street at this time all had a tired look on their face, their head hang low. None of them wanted to look at the sun. Some were too tired to do so, the rest can only feel helpless at the blazing ball of fire above them.
In such a street, a group of kids were excitedly walking around. They look at everything with a curious eye. They were very easy to spot, especially at this time where everyone has went to work.
I, who was one of the kid, was shaking my head the whole time.
'Did they really expected not to get caught like this?'
Not to mention the now empty house. If they all sneak away Tok, as the only one left in the house, can immediately noticed their actions.
Glancing behind, I can see 2 hooded figures a distance away from us. One figure was short while the other was tall. They were Hans and Tok.
Their purpose was clear. Hans was here for insurance. Tok was here to scold them when he 'accidentally' find them while searching. It was originally Nasha's role but I figured it wouldn't bring the needed effects for the plan. Nasha has always been the person to reprimand them after all.
Hopefully the kids can learn something from this, especially Hubris.
Though the plan is for the kids to learn, it's also for me to observe my surroundings. As I expected, it wasn't the best. Even if the broken down buildings could be ignored, there was still many signs of poverty.
The street was small, barely enough to fit 3 adults. Garbage dump could be seen randomly appearing at any spot. The smell was horrible and the road was damp and uneven. Despite all that, the worst thing was the people.
The people here has no energy nor will. Most were skinny and rough, wearing things barely classified as clothes. Those people aimlessly walked around like zombies, they had no destination in mind.
There's no beggars here because there's no one to beg. Everyone was the same, hungry and poor.
In short, this place was lifeless and deserted.
~•~•~•~
There was another type of people Ken has failed to notice.
They were unpleasant people. Those that hid in the dark corner of the alleyway. They were looking around like hungry wolves, their eyes contained endless wrath and a hint of madness.
Ken didn't notice them while walking around. Hans was the person keeping them back, taking down those in hiding.
He was displeased. The situation in the slum deteriorated much faster than he expected. If this goes on, the slum would soon blow up before the country could take action.
Before he could finish taking care of a criminal, he heard Tok's shout.
"They are in trouble!"
Quickly knocking the criminal unconscious, he turn back towards the kids.
~•~•~•~
Trouble soon arises. A gang of thugs surrounded us. Their appearance was much better than those around and obvious greed could be seen in their eyes. There were 6 of them, blocking off our escape.
The children was understandably scared. The young ones tried to hid themselves behind the older kids. Hubris, the 'leader' of the kids, stood up in front as an attempt to intimidate the thugs. Unfortunately for him, he was still very much a child.
As for me, I was patiently waiting. They should be coming soon is what I thought. Thus, I calmly pretended to be scared, raising my a sideways as a gesture to protect those behind.
However it's still really bold of them to commit crimes in broad daylight...
The standstills didn't last long as the man ahead of us sneered. Like a signal, transparent green veil covered us.
I... feel... re...lax...ed... No!
PEEEEW!
BOOM!
The sounds of explosions snapped me awake. The mens were startled at the sudden attack and were unable to defend themselves, quickly being taken down by the incoming light orb.
Only the leader of the thugs was standing. Not hesitating, the man ran away abandoning his accomplices.
Boom!
A shadow rushed passed me.
Arriving before the man, Hans pressed on his head before slamming it down the ground.
The first part of the play was finished. At least everything still went according to plan.
Looking at the now sleeping kids, I thought I have scared them more than necessary. All the kids younger than me was asleep, leaving only 3 standing. They were on the verge of crying.
"What are you all doing?!"
'Here comes the second actor.'
At this point, I didn't think the nagging part was needed for the plan anymore. This event should be enough for their growth, anymore and it might bring about the opposite effect. I stood up to Tok, trying to stop him.
"Tok-"
"You too! We should have never agreed to this plan!"
'What? Why did he reveal it?'
Tok was evidently much more angry then usual. But why's he so angry? Didn't everything went accordingly?
"Plan... w-what?" Hubris asked, his voice shaking.
'Shit'
"We should have never let them go out in the first place!"
Ahhh. And the cats out of the bag.
I didn't particularly care if the truth is revealed but it definitely won't be good for Hubris.
"Y-you... you knew all this time?"
"SHUT UP HUBRIS! Do you know how stupid you are?! Have you ever thought about your brothers and sisters when you do this?!!"
I couldn't just sit and watch anymore. Tok isn't in the right mind.
"Tok calm down."
"Calm down? Look at them!" Tok said, pointing at the sleeping children.
"What? They are just sleeping. Everything went as planned didn't it?"
Tok face visibly contorted. He screamed out.
"PLAN?! How could you possibly be thinking about the plan at this time?! Don't you feel ANYTHING looking at our brothers and sisters like this?! Or... are we not family to you?"
I was now angry. Why, why is he taking out all his anger on ME? The kids were just asleep and everything was fine so why did he has to make such a big deal out of it?
Before the situation escalated any further, Hans moved in between us.
"Let's stop this now before you say something you would regret. And Ken, let's not get ahead of yourself."
Our fight was stopped yet the atmosphere never improved. Tok refused to look at me or Hubis on the way home. Hubris seemed conflicted, silently following behind Tok. Sahra, who was also awake, didn't say anything and moved quietly next to Hubris.
I walked next to Hans. I was angry. Accused by Tok, I didn't know how to let this anger go.
I have never been in this situation before. For the first time since coming here, I didn't know what to do.