1 1. The Beginning Part 1

The sound of metal hitting metal echoes through the town. A sound otherwise muffled by the lives of everyone within the walls, radiates with the early morning air. A broad, middle-aged man finds himself at peace knowing that not a soul other than he is awake...or so he thought.

Two children, barely eleven years of age are stalking the streets from above. Covered in dirt and soot, the larger of the two takes a position above the bakery. The other, continues along the rooftops to the blacksmith.

They had different goals today just as every other day. One believes food is the only way they will have the strength to survive. The other has a broadened belief. With tools and other supplies the two could build something of their lives.

Slightly scowling, Nicholas begins his decent down the face of the bakery. The two have been together their whole lives but he's never understood why they have always been so different. Shaking his head the focus on his objective, the young boy enters the second floor window of the store.

Because the front was either barred or a crude excuse for glass, this is the only way for his to stay silent. Like a small cat, Nick began to scurry his way to the stairs. The baker has always hated getting up with the sun and everybody knows it. What few actually understood was how he was able to sleep in and still make his breads and pastries.

Nick knew his secret very well but only by chance did he find it. The night before, everything is prepared and ready for serving. The following morning, they just needs a little time in the oven to make them warm again. "You're a smart man Mr. Brown, but your dishonesty is what fuels me and the only family I have."

Nick hastily grabs an empty sack from the back and begins throwing breads inside. To the two, any food is good food. Living as they have doesn't allow for luxury. Survival is based solely on your adaptability and willpower. A cold loaf of bread is enough to keep the two going for another two days. A sack, will feed them near a month.

Having filled the sack, Nick readies himself to leave. Before he'd even taken a second step he turns again. "I don't see how he can eat this but it'll shut him up for a day or two." Carefully, Nick grabs a single pastry. He has never enjoyed sweets and would be sick as a dog if he ate the whole thing. However, his brother has a big sweet tooth and despite their differences they cared for each other.

With the bread in the sack and pastry in hand, Nick left the bakery behind and began making his way back to their home. Carefully scaling the walls, it took until dawn for him to return. Staring at the fiery sky he sat at the edge of the highest wall.

Very few in this town get to see this sky. Even the blacksmith who's up long before dawn and long after dusk only sees glimpses of sky. This town is unlike any other because it's built in the remnants of an abandoned underground prison. No a single townsfolk knew when it was built or why it was left empty. They simply went about their days as if they lived anywhere else.

It is because of this unique design that the mayor of the town enacted a law limiting every household to two children. This law allows for the population to remain stagnet while accounting for possible twins. The punishment for breaking this law is called balancing. A lottery is drawn from a box rarely seen, half of the ballets are labeled mother while the other are father. Whichever is drawn will be hanged in order to balance everything.

This is what Nick believes drove him and his brother to what they are today. He believes the two were third children and in order to maintain balance their parents abandoned them. Having been together as long as they have, the two became the only family they needed. These thoughts were interrupted as something nearly pushes Nick off the high wall.

"Jin ,you son-of-a-whore! What if I'd actually fallen over?" Nick sounded furious but he was used to these shenanigans from Jin. The two have been joined at the hip for nearly nine years already.

"Oh come on little brother, you'd have done the same to me had I arrived first. That's why I used my brain and took the scenic way back." Jin smile devilishly which the last sentence because he knew they would never be truly angry at one another.

"Yeah? But imagine the look on your face had you made me drop this then!" Nick extended his arm straight over the wall exposing the pastry he'd brought with him. His smile beamed with excitement on seeing the look his big brother made. After a couple seconds, Nick gave the pastry to Jin. "Come on now, what kinda older brother cries because of the little brother?"

Ecstatic, Jin shoveled the pastry in his mouth. His deep green eyes beamed in the sunlight as a joyous smile spread between his ears. "This big brother will because the little brother acts too old for his age and never plays fair. All because you're a bit bigger than me."