TRIBULATIONS

13.

And she did not like the new company they had.

Bennett watched Edena walk right past them. He had already come to the conclusion that the woman was indifferent and serious when it came to her duties but also personality-wise. But the way she had spoken to Arthur completely irked him. She didn't know the two of them, and what they went through these past few weeks.

If they all wanted to think of the two as "Two rich, spoiled, and useless brats." Then so be it, but they should be discreet about it, because it was starting to get on Bennett's nerve. He couldn't complain though, they were in a complete different city, one they weren't welcomed in. Bennett knew they shouldn't have came here, but it wasn't like they had any choice.

He glanced at the trembling Man in front of him. Arthur muttered things under his breath as the tears uncontrollably ran down his face. He was hungry, tired, but at least he no longer was filthy. Although, his mind was plagued with the constant reminder of his dead family members. The locket... He needed it now. His mother was the most precious woman in his entire life, the fact that her locket had completely slipped out of his mind, despite the fact that he had been next to where her body had been thrown to boggled his mind.

As Bennett was walking towards Arthur, he swung his arm around his shoulders and just then the door swung open. Arthur rushed to wipe his tears away, he couldn't let the Man see him this way; Weak and in distraught. He wouldn't let him stay here—He would continue to think that he wasn't capable of taking care of himself. The Man stared at Arthur's flushed cheeks, and reddened eyes for longer than a moment. His eyes then turned dark, and he brushed past the two.

Arthur was confused, he believed that Pierre was angry at him for being part of the reason that the Upside city was.. But a part of him believed that there was much more to it. And he was curious, but not curious enough to approach the Man and confront him. After all, he had given him a roof over his head, and was to protect Bennett and him for as long as they chose to stay here.

Bennett smiled at Arthur, nudging his shoulder to get his attention. "Hey, why don't we go outside? Get some fresh air and explore some more."

Arthur forced a laugh. "Let's hope we don't run into some gang.."

Bennett chuckled. "It'll be worth it once we finally get to roam around without any fear,"

Arthur questioned him as they walked side by side. "Because we're protected here?"

Bennett nodded. "..If we are protected.. Then yes."

Arthur said nothing, he silently prayed that they would be safe here.

The streets were dark and.. Different. It smelled like something that captured Arthur in a loop as he recalled the previous incidents that happened in these Alleyways. He looked away, and focused on his walk. The roads became larger and larger, and they were surprised to see people walking around happily, there were children, animals, cars.. Cars that looked so advanced, better than the ones in the Upside city.

Arthur's mouth dropped, he felt as if he could maybe be safe here. Starting a new life was a lot.. He was still mourning. A sad smile was plastered on his face, there was no way he could pretend that he was content here. The fact that Arnold is still free.. Still ruining his city, disrespectful the dead bodies..

Arthur seethed with fury towards that man, his chest felt tight with all of the overwhelming emotions, and his throat ached with the need to scream.  No matter what, he would live till the day that Man withered away before him.

Bennett slammed his shoulder against his. "I know what you're thinking—"

Arthur grumbled, he stopped walking and looked at Bennett seriously. "Are you okay with this?—"