Hackers, scammers… Have you even wondered where they all go when they’re banned…?

First Divide: The Boy Who Could Trick The Devil, Jing

—

“Change; it’s near, the time has come!” The cloak figured announced, gesturing with his hands, “My brethren, the veil trembles. The bridle has finally weaken, we will now be able to leave this accursed island and take our longing revenge on the High Council(1)!”

The crowd roared, raising their fists, craving for retribution. Thoughts of finally seeing the bloodshed of those accursed Council Members had lingered through the minds of all the inhabitants ever since everyone of them had been put on this deserted island known as ‘Casser ‘Ciel.(2)’ The cloak figure smirked under his hood, turning towards the Manipulator, snapping his fingers.

All eyes widened. A huge boat emerged from the watery midnight sky on cue. It was a devilish ship, painted with sandy whites and subterranean browns and vivid golds. The gloomy sails were torn slightly, pieces of the boat resembled bones.

Change was near…

—

Jing hated anywhere that was strident and crowded, and Kerning was no exception. Grass growing in between the cracks of the sidewalks, graffiti covering the brick walls, the faint smell of smog, and of course, the noisy inhabitants of the Kerning City. Yes, he dwelled in this dull town as well…

He watched attentively as a few assassins glanced towards his stand, it was obvious that they were just beginning as thieves just by looking at the way they dressed.

Jing smirked as he attempted to call over the group.

“Hey! You guys want to buy some Steelies?” Jing inquired waving at the cluster, quickly catching their attention.

“U-uh, you mean us sir?” One of the boys stuttered pointing towards himself.

“Yeah! You guys! Come over here!” He called again, gesturing them to come forward. They quickly obeyed his commands and scurried to the small wooden counter that was set in front of him. Jing had even attracted the attention of a few from the Party Quest Area.

Hook…

“Want to buy some Steelies?” Jing said, eyeing every one of them.

‘They all looked like a bunch of suckers. This was going to be easier than I thought’.

“Um, aren’t Steelies a bit too pricey?” A girl asked, peering over the shoulder of the sin that spoke earlier.

Line…

“I sell ‘em cheap,” Jing quickly replied waving his Korean Fan, “These are better than those dull, regular Steelies. These are Invisible Steelies!”

A few ‘Ohhs’ and ‘Ahhs’ were heard amongst the crowd. “I’m selling them for only ten-thousand mesos each. And I’ll even put it in this really nice wooden case for ya.”

They all quickly lined up in an orderly manor, going through their bags and wallets for money.

And Sinker…

It was like going fishing and catching the biggest fish in the lake, but slightly easier…

—

Jing sighed contently, another great day. This had been one of his stupidest yet most successful scams yet! Hey, it wasn’t his fault that they fell for such a cheap trick, was it? It was either they were blind (which was forgivable) or stupid (which was not).

“How much did we make, Tippy?” He said, cupping his face with both his hands before turning his attention to the small, pink bunny that was counting the wads of cash.

“About a million mesos, Master Jing!” The rabbit squealed in excitement, diving into the bag of green.

“That’s not bad I guess.” The boy shrugged, tossing the bag over his shoulders.

“HEY! YOU!”

Jing quickly recognized the voice of one of the boys he had swindled that morning. He turned to see him and a much taller boy adjacent to him.

“How dare you scam my little brother?” The taller boy spat, glaring at Jing. If looks could kill, Jing would’ve been dead by now.

“It’s not my fault he’s brainless.” Jing countered monotonously, pointing at the bawling boy. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to leave. Bye!” Jing hasted himself and swiftly sprinted off in the opposite direction.

Jing hastened his pace as he distinguished the two boys trailing behind him, yet it seemed no matter how fast he ran, those two were always on his tail.

‘Persistent little rats…’

Just as Jing was about to make a dash around the corner, two arms reached out from the damp alleyway and pulled him in, one hand covering his mouth; the other was firmly gripping his arm. Jing smirked, and stood stiffly has he watched the two boys dashed pass him.

The hand resting on his mouth loosened, “You’re an idiot.” The figure mumbled before releasing his arm.

Jing put his hands in his pockets casually and turned to the feminine voice. “I wouldn’t be talking, Flowright.” He smiled, addressing the girl by her last name, his voice filled with arrogance. “Why did you help me anyway, Fay?”

The girl stepped out of the shadows, attempting to keep her poker face. Her gray eyes brightened, then darkened. “I can’t let that guy kill you can I? I’m the one who’ll be the one to take your life.” She smiled, innocently.

Fay and Jing had history together. They had known each other since they were children, and use to be the best of friends. They were both determined and completive, and it wasn’t a surprise that they became rivals as time passed. It was even amazing that they had become friends in the first place; they were like Yin and Yang, complete opposites.

“If you continue this,” Fay scolded, crossing her arms before continuing, “The Council may decide to send you to Casser ‘Ciel.”

Jing grinned, not at all fazed by what she had said. Yes, he had heard the stories when he was younger. Delinquents and Law-breakers that were dubbed dire by the High Council were banished to a deserted island far off the coast of Lith Harbor. The island was sealed with a strong barrier that made sure that none of the criminals escaped.

“Like they will ever catch me.” Jing scoffed boastfully, placing both of his arms behind his head. “They’re all too awed of my prowess.”

“Yeah!” Tippy exclaimed, lifting his little paws, as he hopped out of the bag.

Fay rolled her eyes. “You two are hopeless…”

—

Grendel The Really Old stroked his long, white beard as he shifted his eyes towards Alcaster who sat across from him. “Why have you called this meeting all of a sudden?” The Grendel queried, breaking the silence.

Alcaster sighed and shook his head furiously before standing. “I’ve called you all hear today to confirm the escape of the banished ones. It seemed they’ve broken through the barrier and are headed this way.”

The members shot looks of concern towards Alcaster.

“What are they planning to do when they reach Victoria?” Arec sputtered, pulling his hood over his eyes.

Whispers filled the room.

“My guess is there first order of business is to get revenge.” Dances With Balrog said solemnly, stroking his chin before crossing his legs.

“T-This isn’t good.” Athena Pierce stuttered quietly, all the Council members nodded in agreement.

“They can’t be only here to wreak havoc upon us,” The Dark Lord said suspiciously, “There must be another catch.”

“Who’s leading the group?” Robeira asked, rubbing her temples, all these problems were giving her a major headache. “They must have a keen leader to have gotten this far.”

“I’m not sure.” Alcaster said glumly, sulking before the members.

“We can’t take any action until we’re certain of what they’re up to.” Rene added.

The High Council became silent; this was indeed going to be a problem.

—
(1) The High Council is an (fictional) organization consists of Alcaster, and all the job instructors. They decide who gets banished and the rules. Just say they replace the ‘GMs’ in my story… >_>;;

(2) Another utterly fictional place I made up in ten minutes. Dx

‘Casser ‘Ciel’ is French for ‘Shatter Sky,’ but since my French sucks I’m not a hundred percent sure. o___x;;

I drew some quick sketches of Fay and Jing for you guys. I have some other pictures to but my scanner is being mean. 😡

And uh…

Thanks for reading! =D

-Yun