Barnaby sat on a bucket, crossing his legs. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, the flicker of the lighter casting an orange glow on his face as he lit up. With a deep inhale, he released a thick cloud of smoke, his gaze turning to Youri.
"Listen, kid," Barnaby began, his voice steady but harsh, "nothing in this life comes easy. Especially not for someone like you—no family, no one looking out for you. And that's why you shouldn't trust anyone."
He inhaled deeply again. "Take it from someone who's been in the same position. You learn quick, or you don't last."
Youri snapped, his voice sharp with anger. "Why'd you do that!? I thought you wanted to help us, but you just lied!"
Barnaby cut him off, a bitter laugh escaping him. "There's no such thing as help in this world, kid. Not really. Just interest."
"So you made us criminals now!?" Youri's voice was louder, desperate.
Barnaby stood, flicking his cigarette away and fixing his jacket with a casual grace. "Like it or not, you're wanted by the police and the Terrian Order. If I were you, I'd steer clear of crowded places and public eyes. I did you a favor, working for a measly twenty-eight hundred zells a month? That's a crime. But now… now you work for me, and I'll make you rich."
Youri's face twisted in fury. "I'll turn myself in. I'll tell them everything—how you lied, how you tricked us."
Barnaby started laughing again, his voice low and menacing. "I suggest you stay away from them, kid. If you want to live a little longer, that is. They'll just take you out of your misery."
Youri was struck silent, his gaze locked on Barnaby. The man walked away without a second glance, his footsteps echoing through the alley.
Before Barnaby disappeared into the distance, he turned his head one last time. "We start work tomorrow. And don't play the victim card. I can see it in both your eyes—you've been through worse than this." His voice softened a touch. "And don't stay out late."
Barnaby's footsteps faded, leaving Youri and Six standing there in stunned silence. The hope they'd clung to for so long seemed to slip through their fingers, spinning their world into a new, darker direction.
The two of them moved silently through the Night District, weaving in and out of shadowed alleyways, evading the sirens of patrolling police and Order troops. They found themselves back at an old, abandoned factory on the east side of the district—a place they had once taken refuge in before. Now, its decrepit, mold-covered walls whispered of neglect, and plants grew wildly inside like nature was slowly reclaiming it.
Youri sat on an old metallic machine, his mind swirling with frustration. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were just back at square one, running for their lives again. Six, ever the calm presence, sat beside him, leaning against the rusted metal. He let out a low, comforting hum.
"I'm sorry, Six," Youri said softly, guilt creeping into his voice. "I just keep dragging you into this."
Six's large, weathered hand patted Youri's leg, offering silent comfort. Youri sat beside him, feeling the weight of their situation pressing in.
"I don't know how we're going to get out of this," Youri muttered, his voice a mix of exhaustion and frustration. "It feels like we're always running."
Suddenly, Six lifted his head, eyes fixed on the starry sky. He let out a deep, confident roar.
Youri blinked, confused. "You want to get up on the roof?"
Six shook his head, rising to his feet, roaring once more, his massive arm outstretched, pointing to the sky.
Youri furrowed his brow. "You want to go to space?"
Six nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining with determination.
Youri laughed nervously. "I don't know, Six. That's… a lot of money. How are we supposed to even get there? And where would we go?"
Six, in response, pulled out the small amount of money he'd earned from Barnaby, roaring proudly.
"That's not enough, buddy," Youri said, shaking his head. "We'd need a lot more than that. To even get one ticket… we'd have to work in the warehouse for months, save up everything, and not spend a dime. It'd barely cover one ticket."
Youri paused, an idea beginning to form in his mind. "Wait, do you mean… we work for Barnaby, save up, and then leave Volar?"
Six nodded, a huge grin spreading across his face.
Youri's expression softened. "Six, I think you just found our way out of this mess."
Six stood proudly by his side, nodding with purpose.
"Alright then," Youri said, a small but determined smile creeping onto his face. "Let's do it. We're getting out of here. For good."
The next day, Youri and Six made their way back to the Skylark. Before Youri could even knock, the door swung open, and Barnaby stood there, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Ah, so you found your way back here. Well done. I'll need you both by nine tonight. Meet me in the same alley as last night. And don't let anyone follow you."
Without waiting for a response, Barnaby closed the door behind him, leaving the two standing in the hallway.
Youri turned to Six. "Let's go to the warehouse. We need to tell Casey we're leaving. It's better this way."
Outside the warehouse, Liam was tinkering with one of the doors, his tool belt hanging loosely around his waist. He looked up when he saw Youri and Six approaching.
"Morning, guys!" he called out cheerfully.
Youri and Six waved back, then headed toward the first warehouse where Casey's office was. Inside, Casey was seated on the wooden chair, his brow furrowed as he worked through some papers. When he saw them, he stood up.
"Hey, boys," Casey greeted warmly.
Youri and Six approached, Youri speaking first. "We came by to let you know—we're finally leaving. Our father's made all the arrangements. We're probably heading out next week."
Casey's face softened, and he stepped forward to hug both of them. "So, it's time then?" he said, voice thick with emotion. "Emma and Liam are going to miss you, you know."
Youri hugged him tightly. "Can you… can you not tell Emma? I don't want her to be upset."
"Don't worry, I won't," Casey replied, his voice reassuring. "Just… be safe out there. The world is full of all kinds of people. Don't let anyone take advantage of you."
"Thanks, Casey," Youri said quietly.
Just then, Liam entered the room, a confused look on his face. "What's going on? Why are you two crying?"
Casey wiped his eyes, his voice strained. "I'll be in my office," he said, turning quickly to leave.
Youri turned to Liam, offering him a sad smile. "Hey… we're leaving. For space. Next week."
Liam froze, shock written across his face. "What!? But we just… got back together! And now you're leaving? For space?!"
Youri's voice softened, his grip tightening around Liam. "I know, big bro. But we promised Dad. We have to go."
Liam's shoulders slumped as he dropped to the floor, hands running through his hair. "I'm sorry, Youri," he said, his voice cracking. "I'm probably making this harder on you."
Youri crouched down beside him and hugged him tightly. "No, Liam. You're not. It's just… the way it is."
The three of them shared a quiet laugh, the weight of the moment heavy, but somehow comforting in its familiarity.
Behind the warehouse doors, Barnaby stood listening, cigarette in hand. A grin spread across his face as he flicked the cigarette away, turning to walk off into the distance.