Clown Without Smiles

The boy was no older than eight. His bright yellow hair and the bang that covered one of his cyan eyes were his most eye-catching features but then he was just another orphan in the Polar Region. He had his hands in his green coat pockets, not because it was cold but it was easier to conceal the rusted pocket knife that rested safely in his pocket.

He walked through the dark streets head bent, passing through the crowd of crooks and gangsters. He didn't bother to look at any of their faces. Fear was something they preyed on and for him... well, he learnt that there were much worse people to fear in this town.

It must have been luck but then he found himself right in front of the bakery just as the old man was about to lock up.

"Hey old man," the boy said with a smirk. The fat man rolled his eyes before turning to face his worst nuisance.

"Oh, it's you again, Leo." the man said in disgust, "what the hell do you want from me?"

Leo smiled. " Oh c'mon Mr. Ishaan, don't be like that."

"To a runt like you? I'd rather sell my business."

" Ha-ha, " Leo laughed. " that'd be a shame. Then I wouldn't have any place to buy some bread. "

" You mean steal? "

" I mean borrow." Leo corrected.

The fat man grunted. It was too late in the night to be arguing wit a kid like Leo. He'd drag on the conversation until he got what he wanted. He took a bun from his bag and tossed it into the open palms of Leo.

"Thanks," Leo said.

"Yeah whatever. Now hurry along. You don't want some thugs to take you in." Mr. Ishaan said. Leo nodded and walked off, putting the bread in is other pocket. He walked away, turning right into an alley, passing by a badly bruised and drunk man. He exited the place into a broad and empty street, walking up the gentle hill. He stopped when he heard a loud scream Naturally, he turned his left to see what the ruckus was about. Five men in thick black coats, all having the same teeth symbol imprinted on the back, They surrounded a woman drenched in tears, who clutched a young boy is age.

"Please! I'm begging you!" the woman pleaded, grabbing one of the legs of the thug near her, "take me instead, leave my boy! I'll do anything!"

"Get you hands off me!" the thug cried, kicking her in the stomach. The boy rushed at the thug only to receive his share. Another thug grabbed the boy by the collar, the latter who was flailing his arms and legs while crying out to his mother. The woman crawled to the feet of the thug, still begging.

"You know the rules, woman!" the thug spat, "You pay up or else!" The thug gave the woman another kick. "And that goes for ALL OF YOU!" the thug shouted to all the onlookers and those in the 'safety' of their houses. "You pay your 'debt' on time or else this incident will be nothing.

Leo bit his lip. This was a norm here. Someone didn't pay their 'debt' to the gang and had to offer service to the gang. If the individual had a child, they'd take him or her instead. Basically they preferred young blood. He scanned the crowd and all of them had the same face. Twisted excitement and hypocritical pity, but who was he to judge. His eyes however rested on a girl his age who stood a little close to him. Her face was filled with genuine pity as if she could rescue them from their present predicament. She was beautiful, at least in his eyes. She had light blue hair tied into two ponytails and her jasper orange eyes shone like rubies. She wore a blue and white dress with a flower design at the base and her blue shoes had a white flower ribbon. She was definitely not from this place.

A loud cry from the thugs made Leo break away from his trance. A beautiful blue barrier had separated the thugs from the woman. The kidnapped boy, taking the chance, broke free from the thugs grasp and freed himself, dashing to his mother. The two then dashed into the night. The barrier dissipated shortly after and the thugs began to chase after them, save for one whose eyes began to search suspiciously through the crowd. Leo turned to the girl, the latter who was looking at her palms in awe. Without a second thought, Leo grabbed the girl and ran.