As Zabo grew up, it didn’t take long for him to understand the importance of a home. A refuge, a sanctuary where even people deemed as “duds” within society, can sleep in comfort. Home was the only place he knew that was safe. In this harsh society, where it’s kill or be killed, his people banded together with a collective resolve to help and support anyone in need, and right now the two girls that were trailing behind him needed just that. Help.

Zabo glanced back to see Ell, a pale petite woman with light brown hair streaked with purple dye. Her glasses lay crooked against her nose bridge, from all the strenuous running. She was struggling to keep up with his running. He tried to slow down for the two of them, but there simply wasn’t enough time. Mia still clung to Ell’s back, which must have made everything that much harder for the woman.

He would’ve offered to take the kid and put her on his back instead, but he knew that it’d seem suspicious considering the circumstances, so he simply kept running, trying to get to safety as soon as possible.

Breaking the silence, Zabo asked a question instead, “where were you planning to go, anyway?”

Ell looked up at the young man, who looked like he could be in his late teens to twenties. “We were going to get to the station…until you showed up.”

“Hmm.” Zabo tilted his head up, trying to recall what he saw on the rooftop. “Yeah, count yourself lucky. They had some men at the station waiting for you there. If not for me, you’d have been captured.”

Zabo’s gaze softened for a moment, his protective instincts sharpened by the sight of the two. “Don’t worry, though, you’ll be fine now. You can trust me, I promise.” Rustblock, the area he grew up in, didn’t have the best reputation among the citizens. The harsh surroundings may press in on them, but he trusted his people to pull through.

So Zabo led Ell and Mia through the narrow, shadowed alleys of Tetra City with the confident grace of someone who had lived their entire life within the city’s tangled web. His footsteps were light, barely making a sound as they wound deeper into the city. Ell’s heart pounded as she clutched Mia’s small hand, the little girl’s steps growing more hesitant with each turn they took. The surrounding buildings became increasingly dilapidated, their once bright facades now faded, cracked, and scarred by years of neglect. It wasn’t long before Ell realized where Zabo was leading them, straight into Rustblock, the most notorious district in Tetra City.

Everyone knew about Rustblock, but no one wanted to talk about it. It was a district synonymous with crime, poverty, and despair. Over the generations, the government in charge of the capital of Tetra City had slowly waned its spending on the outskirts of the city, where the weaker people lived, draining the area of all its life and color. Over the years, the streets became lined with rust, abandoned vehicles scattered in the most random of places, and crumbling remains of houses and businesses were everywhere. Hence the name, Rustblock.

Ell wasn’t sure anymore if they could trust Zabo, yet he wore such an innocent face and seemed kind. But Rustblock, that guaranteed them death! Some gangsters would probably kidnap them and steal their organs, or at least that’s what the rumors say. Ell had one secret weapon up her sleeve, ready if this was all a trap. She still had her weak telekinesis, weak in battle, yet could still be effective as a distraction.

Ell’s grip on Mia’s hand tightened as they crossed into Rustblock. She could feel the weight of eyes on them, eyes that watched with a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and menace. The residents of this place had learned to be wary of outsiders, and Ell was all too aware of how out of place they must look. Mia huddled closer to her, her small fingers clutching Ell’s shirt, the fear clear in her wide, innocent eyes.

“Is this where the bad people live?” Mia whispered, her eyes flitting between every crevice of decay she could find. For a little girl that had lived her entire life in the center of Tetra City, this was like entering a new world. She couldn’t decide if she felt excited or scared.

Ell forced a reassuring smile, though her own nerves were frayed. “It’s just another place in the city, Mia. Stay close to me, and we’ll be fine.”

Zabo led them further into the heart of the Rustblock. The buildings became more and more broken down, but also larger, more oppressive, their windows barred. People lingered outside, leaning against dilapidated cars and listening to music that blared from crackling speakers. Their gazes tracked the trio’s movement, some with mild interest, others with a hint of hostility. Most of them wore white vests fitted for the summer heat.

“It seems we killed the mood.” Ell whispered to Zabo.

“What? Nah, we love new people. Don’t mind those guys, they’re just wary is all,” Zabo reassured.

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Finally, Zabo stopped in front of a small, grey house nestled between two large, decaying apartment buildings. The towering structures flanking it nearly concealed the house, making it appear unassuming. Wild grass and weeds choked the lawn, which could barely be called that, and thick metal grates barred the windows. It looked more like a fortress than a home.

Zabo approached the door and knocked seven times in a distinct rhythm. The sound echoed in the quiet, heavy air of the alley, and Ell’s heart raced as they waited. She did not know who they were about to meet or what kind of help Zabo was seeking, but she could only hope it would be enough to keep Mia safe.

The door creaked open, revealing a man who filled the doorway with his presence. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and imposing, with bronze skin and a stern expression that made Ell instinctively pull Mia closer. He wore a kuffi hat tilted slightly to the side, a leather jacket over a black grandad shirt, and multiple thick chains that glinted against his chest. His eyes were sharp, assessing Zabo with an intensity that made the younger man straighten his posture.

“Master Mourning,” Zabo said, bowing down at ninety degrees, showing his respect. “I’m glad it’s you who answered.”

Master Mourning’s gaze shifted past Zabo, settling on Ell and Mia with a look that was equal parts curiosity and calculation. His expression hardened as he recognized what had happened. His eyes narrowed as he returned his attention to Zabo. “You brought the girl being chased by those low-level hunters from Zeus?” His voice was deep, laced with a dangerous edge.

Before Zabo could answer, Mourning’s fist lashed out, catching him in the stomach with a powerful punch that sent him flying backwards. Zabo hit the ground hard. The wind knocked out of him as he gasped for air. He didn’t expect his master would swing at him like that. His body hit the floor with a thud, the sheer force caused him to continue rolling till he hit the walls of the building opposite. The house’s facades crumbled, landing on his back.

Mia screamed, clinging to Ell in terror as the scene unfolded before them. Ell watched in horror as Master Mourning calmly approached Zabo, who struggled to get back on his feet. The impact of the punch had drawn the attention of the neighborhood, and people gathered, watching the confrontation with subdued interest.

Ell and Mia trembled while within the vicinity of the man. Both of them struggled to breathe. It was as if they were staring at a demon. Huge and bloodthirsty. Ell’s body froze in fear, feeling overwhelmed simply by his presence.

Pushing off the debris on his body, Zabo grunted. “What was that for, Master? You used your aura on me.”

Master Mourning crouched down beside Zabo, his presence towering even in that position. “Do you know who’s leading the search for that brat?” he asked, pointing a finger towards Mia, who was still huddled behind Ell.

“No… I don’t know. Why does it matter?”

Mourning grabbed Zabo’s face with both hands, forcing him to look up into his eyes. “Every detail matters boy, I thought I taught you that much. Of course you don’t know. You know nothing,” he growled. “I have eyes and ears all over this damn city, and you decide to do the one thing that could destroy our entire operation.”

“Our people have been waiting patiently, lying low, and you bring this mess here,” Mourning continued, his voice low, yet everyone could hear. “Noah Voltaire is leading the search for that child, for reasons we don’t yet know. If they come here looking for her, it will risk the lives of everyone in this block and the lives of all the other factions in the order. Do you understand the magnitude of your stupidity?”

Zabo coughed, trying to catch his breath. “I’m sorry, Master… I thought I was helping.”

Mourning released his grip on Zabo, standing up and looking down at him with an expression of both disappointment and resolve. “You’ve made your choice, boy. You brought them here, and now you’re responsible for getting them to safety. But don’t expect any help from us.”

Zabo looked up, throwing his hands out in frustration, his face twisted in confusion and frustration. “But we’re going to be sitting ducks! Zeus will kill them without any help.”

Mourning’s expression hardened further, his voice cold. “Figure it out, Zabo. And don’t you dare die. My weary heart won’t be able to handle losing another person.”

He took a step back, his voice booming as he shouted, “Now get out of here!”

Zabo winced at the command, but didn’t hesitate. He scrambled to his feet, grabbing Ell’s arm as he led her and Mia away from the small house. Ell followed, her mind racing, her heart pounding in her chest. Mia’s tiny hand clutched tightly to hers as they hurried down the alley, away from the growing crowd and the menacing figure of Master Mourning.

As they reached the edge of the block, Ell risked a glance back. She saw Mourning standing in front of his house, watching them go, his gaze unreadable. The group of people from the neighborhood, who stood by and watched, began moving towards him. Standing beside Zabo’s so-called master, they watched them leave.

“Is it right to send him off like that?” one onlooker asked, their voice wavering. “He could die.”

Master Mourning’s expression softened slightly, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes. “Out of all my apprentices, Zabo has the most talent, the most potential. He is fit to lead us one day. I just hope he doesn’t stray from his path, like Mendoza or that crooked Zhin.”

Another man spoke up. “He’s not like those guys. Zabo will become the last scion, I know it.”

“I hope so. We’ve been waiting for far too long.” With that, Mourning turned and walked back into the house, leaving the gathering crowd to disperse and return to their lives. The door closed with a heavy thud, echoing through the alley as Zabo, Ell, and Mia vanished into the shadows of Rustblock. How were they to survive now?