Mekai: "Well, future greatest, anyway."
Kassius: "Can you teach me? How to do that?"
Mekai: "Hmm... I could... But let's go get something to eat first."
At noon, the sun shines brightly as Kassius and Mekai reach a restaurant and sit down with ice cream. As Kassius eats, his face lights up with joy.
Mekai: "Good, yeah?"
Kassius: "Mhm!"
Mekai: "The best in the city. I would say the world but I have to try those too."
Sneaking up, a server walks to their table.
Server: "Mekai?! You're still here? I thought you said we'd never see you again!"
Mekai: "...That was the plan..."
Server: "Haha! Well, if you still need a job, the dishes won't clean themselves. Enjoy the ice cream."
Mekai: "Yeah, yeah."
The server walks away. Mekai lies his head down, catching Kassius' attention.
Kassius: "Was it my fault? Why you never left here."
Mekai: "Hmm? Well... yeah. I missed something important. Lifechanging, actually."
Kassius: "Where were you going?"
Mekai smiles and sits up straight.
Mekai: "Did you know, where we are right now, is merely a small island of the world?"
Kassius: "A what?"
Mekai: "An island? You know, a small piece of land. Anyway, there's this way bigger land."
Kassius: "Really?"
Mekai: "Yep. There's a whole world outside this nation."
Kassius: "That sounds awesome. Wait, but why can't you go?"
Mekai "If only it were as simple as that. You see, this country is not strongly connected to the outside world for its own reasons. So for us people that want to leave, there is really only one way to go there, and it's by becoming a member of Furantur."
Kassius: "What's Furantur?"
Mekai: "It's a travelling agency... kind of. It's more of a tool this nation uses. But anyway, at some point, you apply for their test. If you pass, you become a recognised member of Furantur and get permission to leave this place."
Kassius: "Can I sign up?"
Mekai: "You?! No chance. Besides, only entrees age sixteen and above are allowed anyway, so..."
Kassius: "Oh..."
Mekai: "But, you are a strong kid. That's a start right?"
Kassius: "I guess..."
Mekai: "...Anyway, as it stands right now, I'm dead broke. I gotta get another job now, ugh! I guess I should tell Auntie Jumary I'll be staying a bit longer."
Kassius: "Who's Auntie Jumary?"
Mekai. "Oh, she's this lady I used to live with. Actually, this may be good for me after all."
Kassius: "What?"
Mekai: "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: "Shut up. We know what you are. Trying to harm this little boy, have you no shame?"
Mekai: "Harm? What the hell made you think that? Look, lady-"
Lady: "I have a name!"
Mekai: "OK, whatever. I'm not doing anything bad to this kid, you've got it all wrong."
Officer: "Is everything alright?"
Lady: "No. This predator kidnapper is attempting to hurt this young boy. Arrest him."
Mekai: "Predator?! Whoa! Can we not do the name calling?"
Lady: "So you're admitting to being a kidnapper?!"
Mekai: "I didn't even say those words."
Officer: "Alright, alright. That's enough. Mister Ventra. Haven't seen you for a minute. 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 sure?"
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. The rest of you, carry on."
As Kassius and Mekai get escorted away by the officer, Mekai turns back and looks directly at the lady, flipping her off. She gets agitated but the group around stop her from running at him. They reach the car, enter it and drive off.
Officer: "Memories. Ain't that right, Mister Ventra? Hahaha!"
Mekai: "Yeah... hilarious."
As the sun sets on the horizon, Kassius and Mekai reach a place on the outskirts of the city with the officer.
Officer: "So this is another one of your children too, Jumary?"
Woman: "Yes."
Jumary is about 5"10, a little plump, 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, Mister officer!"
Jumary: "Mekai!"
Mekai: "Alright, alright. I'll mind what I say."
Officer: "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 you still doing here?!"
Mekai: "Relax, Aunt Jumary. I failed this year."
Aunt Jumary: "You failed?! Oh, what a miracle! Thank you. 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? Yes, it's not been touched yet. Guess I have to tell the other kids to wait another year. Now, who's the kid? Knowing you-"
Mekai: "Oh, no, no, no. This is my apprentice, and he'll be staying with me."
Aunt Jumary: "Apprentice? Mekai, you better not-"
Mekai: "Oh, nothing of the sort. Just helping an innocent kid out, like you did for me."
She looks and Mekai, and sighs. Reluctantly, she throws him a pair of keys. She walks up to Kassius.
Aunt Jumary: "Whats your name?"
Kassius: "Kassius."
Aunt Jumary: "Well, Kassius. Welcome to our home. If you're ever hungry, just knock on my door, alright? I can barely trust Mekai with himself, let alone a child."
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, man. I do try but-"
Kassius's stomach rumbles.
Mekai: "Heh, hungry?"
Kassius: "Uh.... it's ok. I'm not that hungry."
Mekai: "Look. Don't be so shy. I promised you a place. And part of that place is the food. Take anything you need from the fridge... oh, wow. I think 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? Ooh! How about this?!"
Kassius pulls out chicken and rice. He takes a bite.
Kassius (in head): "It's so good!"
Mekai turns on the shower. Just as he's about to get ready, Kassius walks in.
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: "Heh... It's all good, just don't do that again, please... wait. Hold on."
Mekai smells around Kassius.
Mekai: "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: "Oh... 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, step by step. After Kassius finishes, Mekai hands him the towel and gets out the bathroom. Mekai heads in and showers himself. Afterwards, he also exits the bathroom.
Kassius: "The water was so warm."
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: "Endu... what?"
Mekai: "Did you ever go to school?"
Kassius: "Oh. Yes, not for long though. I gt kicked out."
Mekai: "Have you trained before?"
Kassius: "Trained? Like for fighting? No."
Mekai: "How about stealing? I mean, I noticed the money but that was me. You could've fooled a regular person."
Kassius: "I just steal when I need to. I don't like it really, but... can I tell you something?"
Mekai: "Of course."
Kassius: "Sometimes... I do steal... even when I don't need to. And it's kind of nice."
Mekai: "What?!"
Kassius: "Like, the feeling. It's... I can't explain. I know I sound crazy, but I pro-"
Mekai: "No, no. I get it. 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?"
Mekai (in head): "Just like him, huh?"
Mekai: "...Let me ask you something. Do you have a dream? Anything you want to achieve?"
Kassius: "I... I don't know."
Mekai: "And earlier. Were you really serious about signing up for Furantur?"
Kassius: "I'm... not sure."
Mekai: "Hmm... Then I guess we know what we have to do. For the rest of our time together, 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."
Kassius, surprised, softly 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: "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: "Yes."
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: "Your first lesson. 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 tosses the wallet back on the main street as they leave. Mekai and Kassius jog back and go further out from the outskirts into the woods. They reach a spacious area.
Kassius: "Wait... I'm tired..."
Mekai: "You need to improve your stamina. If you're a thief, you could be on the run for a long time before you can relax. That's part of the job, the escape."
Kassius: "Can't you just fight back? Why do you have to run?"
Mekai: "Sometimes you can fight. But other times, you'll be overwhelmed. 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. I'll evade so just attack me."
Kassius starts throwing punches and kicks but Mekai evades quite easily.
Mekai: "Come on. 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 that can only take you so far. We'll have to work on this 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 with numbers but I am pretty ok at stuff about history."
Kassius: "Mekai..."
Mekai: "Yeah?"
Kassius: "I... don't know how to read well. Or write."
Mekai: "Really?... Don't worry, 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. The rest you'll do yourself. Ok?"
Kassius: "Mhm!"
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: "Oh, don't worry. I'll ask for help if it gets hard. Besides, how hard is it to take care of one kid?"
Aunt Jumary: "Fine, but just don't involve him in..."
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... flows uh... flows-"
Mekai: "Throughout-"
Kassius: "Throughout 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: "Never use that 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: "Oh..."
Mekai: "Time to head home."
Kassius: "Already?!"
On the final day, Kassius and Mekai attend a dinner that all the apartment residents attend. 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 Mekai? Whoa! That's cool."
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 as they leave, confused about it. The two 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 an innocent kid into a life of crime, and your reason is a '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 for you 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 change. You want change, 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. He thinks like me. It's almost as though we were born for this. So this... this is our only path."
Aunt Jumary: "This is what 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 a chance. I want you to talk him out of it. Sometimes... sometimes it's just not worth it, Mekai."
Aunt Jumary puts out her cigarette and throws it as she walks away. Kassius hiding at the roof entrance rushes back down in silence. 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: "Was there somebody else before me?"
Mekai: "Before you where? As an apprentice? I never used to-"
Kassius: "You know what I mean."
Mekai: "...There was somebody. 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."
Kassius: "Is he a thief also?"
Mekai: "I mean, he went for the test. But 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..."
Mekai: "It's alright. We've 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. 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. That's why I don't mind becoming a thief. 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."
Kassius looks at Mekai in awe as he smiles.
Mekai: "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 about to say and it won't work."
Kassius stares onto the horizon.
Kassius: "I'm certain now. 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: "Greater than me? I don't know about that."
Kassius: "Mhm. And stronger too, don't forget that."
Mekai: "Haha! That's some level to reach, don't you think?"
Kassius: "I have to beat the greatest if I want to be the greatest right? Hehe."
Mekai: "Fine. Since you said that, 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: "So you do pay attention. Ok, 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, I'll expect you to become a thief so infamous the whole world will have heard your name. And we'll fight. 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. Doesn't that sound thrilling?"
Kassius: "Why a fight?"
Mekai: "Oh, is someone backing out?"
Kassius: "No way! I'll do it."
Kassius smiles and takes the wallet.
Mekai: "If you don't bring it, I won't accept the bet... 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 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 back around and continues walking.
Mekai: "Don't worry. I won't."
Kassius wipes the tears off of his face as Mekai waves him off and leaves. 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 new flowers... How I'm doing? I'm great. I've been practicing my reading and writing, 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... for that night... I don't think I can apologise enough. But I do hope that you'll forgive me, wherever you are... I have to leave now. This may be the last time in a while I'll visit. Just wanted you to know, I love you."
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: "Sorry. But we have to meet downstairs with everybody."