AREA XIII PROLOGUE

(Three years ago prior to present events)

LANISTER HOME, SLUMS, AREA NO. 13

CASS LANISTER : Luka! Take Kross now! Hurry! Whatever happens don't let them get Kross!

LUKA : What about you?!

KROSS : (crying) D-Dad! Dad!

CASS : I'll be fine! Just take him away from here!

LUKA : I understand!

CASS : Kross go with Luka now. Just follow him-

KROSS : (sobs) N-No! I won't go until you move an inch!

CASS : Listen to me! Those people are gonna hurt you! If you don't go with Luka now they'll hurt you. Please just go.

KROSS : (sobs) But I don't want to!

CASS : Look at me. Come on buddy. Who do you love?

KROSS : (sobs) You and Mom!

CASS : And who has to do what we say?

KROSS :...I do. (wipes tears)

CASS : That's a good boy. (pats Kross) Take this and go (gives necklace)

KROSS : (cries) Dad

CASS : Don't cry. You're a man now right?

KROSS : (crying) Yeah! (wipes tears)

CASS : Good. Now go. Go as far as you can. Don't look back. Just follow Luka and no matter what happens don't look back. I love you buddy (hugs Kross)

KROSS : (crying) Dad

CASS : See ya later (smile)

KROSS : (cried harder)

CASS : Luka take him now. There's a ferry at the harbor that'll take you to the next area. I'm counting on you Luka. Take care of Kross for me.

LUKA : I understand. I'll do everything Cass. You take care of yourself.

CASS : I owe you one.

LUKA : My dad's the one who owes you a lot.

Luka and Kross ran away leaving Cass at the house. Kross never looked back just like he wwas told. That was the last time Kross saw his father.

15-year-old Luka and 12-year-old Kross boarded the ferry bound for the port at Area no. 11.

LUKA : Stop crying already. It won't do you good.

KROSS : (sobs) Shut up! (wipes tears) Just what the hell's happening?! Why's my dad out there telling me to run for my life?!

LUKA : Just try to understand why we're doing this.

KROSS : I don't even know who I'm running away from!

LUKA : Stop whining already brat. Your dad entrusted you to me. I respect your dad a lot but that doesn't mean I'll be all chummy to you. Don't try my patience. I'm not good with kids.

Kross cried even harder than the first time.

KROSS : (crying) D-Dad..! M-Mom! I want to go home!

Luka gently gave Kross a pat.

LUKA : I'm sorry Kross. I really mean it. Stop crying already.

KROSS : (sobs) I hate you Luka!

LUKA : (sigh) You'll understand when you're older. I'm sorry.

(After three years...)

CENTRAL CITY, AREA NO. 11

Kross was being mobsters he came across. It was a bike race.

DRUNKEN GUY : Hehe just run you brat. Don't let us catch ya!

KROSS : Who the hell said I'm running? You losers try if you can. (speeds up)

DRUNKEN GUY : We'll see about that. First one who catches the brat gets a price. How bout it boys?

SHORT GUY : Sounds fun to me.

SUNGLASSES GUY : Woo! Let me get em first! I'm gonna crush his bones to pieces! (laughs)

SHORT GUY : (laughs) Now you said it!

DRUNKEN GUY : Alright you two calm down. Let the race begin.

Three guys were chasing after Kross. It was like a motorcycle race. They made turns and overtakes but none could get close to Kross.

DRUNKEN GUY : Tch. Faster bastards! The kid's getting away!

SHORT GUY : I'll cover the front.

SUNGLASSES GUY : I'll handle the back then.

KROSS : Losers.

They surrounded Kross circularly. Kross was at the middle while the three was around him.

KROSS : I like how you guys play dirty.

DRUNKEN GUY : It's a three to one stand-off. Go figure.

KROSS : Just don't let me see you cry alright? (speeds up) See ya.

DRUNKEN GUY : Tch! Surround him! Don't let him get away! There's your price you bastards!

They surrounded Kross again. This time Kross's bike's gas was half empty and about to run out.

KROSS : Shit. Come on buddy. Hang in there.

SHORT GUY : What's wrong? Haha Ran out of gas?

SUNGLASSES GUY : Little mouse got nowhere to hide eh? haha

Kross stops at the center as the three also stopped to surround him.

CENTRAL CITY SKYWAY

DRUNKEN GUY : The tables got turned and this is where you beg for your life.

KROSS : In your dreams. As if I'd do that in front of a bunch of morons.

SHORT GUY : What the hell was that bastard?!

DRUNKEN GUY : Easy there. The kid's just testing ya. Let me handle this.

The drunken guy walked over to where Kross was standing.

DRUNKEN GUY : How about we have a deal? You give us what we want the we'll let you off without a single scratch.

KROSS : Oh you're too kind. I'm flattered.

SHORT GUY : Tch! Boss! Let's pound him already!

DRUNKEN GUY : Shut up!

SHORT GUY : S-Sorry!

KROSS : Hey you guys want this right? (money) Then I guess you can have it.

DRUNKEN GUY : (smile) Good. Good. Now if you can only-

KROSS : In your dreams.

Kross tosses the money over the railings from the skyway all the way down to the slums.

DRUNKEN GUY : Nooooo! My money! Tch you bastard!

KROSS : Will you look at that, now maybe the slums won't be as corrupt as you are.

DRUNKEN GUY : I'll kill you!

KROSS : Shit.

The drunken guy was about to shoot his gun at Kross when Luka appeared in a motorbike and grabbed Kross away.

KROSS : Luka! (smile)

LUKA : Don't Luka me you idiot. Wear your helmet and sit properly.

KROSS : Yessir! (turns around to the three guys) See ya around, Ciao!

SHORT GUY : Boss he's getting away! Tell us what to do!

DRUNKEN GUY : Shut up! Dammit! I want my money now!

OUTSKIRTS OF CENTRAL CITY

KROSS : I'm in trouble aren't I?

LUKA : Come here.

KROSS : W-Why...? Here is far enough.

LUKA : I said come here.

KROSS : A-Alright alright. Coming.

LUKA : Closer.

KROSS : W-What are you-

Luka headbangs on Kross.

KROSS : Ow! That fucking hurt! Damn you Luka! Ow ow ow ow!

LUKA : You'll be getting more of that if you don't learn to behave like a good boy.

KROSS : Who the hell's doing that?!

LUKA : What? You want another?

KROSS : No more please!

LUKA : You hard-headed bastard. If you do that again, I'll be the one to throw your bike at the junk shop.

KROSS : I-I get it already! Jeez! You were taking too long. I got bored and those guys just showed up with the money they stole from who knows where.

LUKA : And you decided to be hero for a day? Give the money to the poor and teach those guys a lesson. Is that it?

KROSS : (turns red) Y-Yeah...! I-I mean no!

LUKA : (laughs) You really are an idiot. I'm not sure where you got that brain of yours.

KROSS : (turns red) Excuse me for being stupid!

LUKA : (pats Kross) You're excused. (laughs) Hop on. We're getting dinner.

KROSS : Is it okay? I mean you don't like it when someone else rides on your motorbike right?

LUKA : You're not someone else. Hop on already or you'll be walking home.

KROSS : Alright alright! (smile)

This is how they lived their life after three years. Luka and Kross unexpectedly became close to each other.

Kross is now fifteen while Luka is eighteen.

TENNUMA CITY, AREA NO. 9

LUKA AND KROSS'S HOME

RYKER : What happened to you two? Just in time for dinner. Grab a seat. The others already ate so don't hold back. (big smile)

KROSS : I'll eat now! (smile)

LUKA : How'd it go here? Any military police officers around? I heard they've been patrolling uptown tennuma.

RYKER : It'll be fine. We're indestructable remember?

LUKA : (sigh) You should really stop hanging out with Kross. You'll end up thinking like him.

KROSS : I don't get why that's a bad idea. (big smile) Me and Ryker here are buddies, right? Isn't that right? Give me another of those buddy!

RYKER : Sure thing (big smile)

LUKA : You two'll look like twins if you get too close to each other.

Ryker Tredway (25) Both Luka and Kross's friend who they met at Area no. 11 three years ago. He's a huge guy who loves cooking. Ryker took them in.

RYKER : Ah, that's right. It's about tomorrow's mission. We'll be heading over to Area no. 7 and do some stake outs. Think you can join in? Just leave Kross to the kids.

KROSS : I want to come too! (raises hand while smiling)

LUKA : Not a chance. Go away and finish your food.

KROSS : (pouts) You get all the fun.

A girl appeared.

LUMIA : I thought I heard noise. So the dog's back. (smile)

KROSS : Who're you calling a dog? (pouts) You're pretty early today too Lumia. Got nothing to do?

LUMIA : Who knows maybe this is the break I needed (stretch) But still no-kicking asses days just bore me to death.

LUMIA MILLEN (18) Outgoing and upbeat. She became part of the group earlier before Luka and Kross. She loves missions, money and Luka.

Lumia spots Luka.

LUMIA : Luka (soft smile) Did you eat already? How was the salad? You should definitely try the dishes I made.

KROSS : (whisper) She transforms into a maiden when Luka's around.

RYKER : (whisper) Just pretend not to notice. She's kinda sensitive.

LUMIA : What are you two whispering for eh?!

BOTH : N-Nothing...! (smile)

KROSS : I-I'll go upstairs then! Good night! (runs away)

RYKER : A-Ah, I forgot to take out the garbage! I'll leave you two then! G'night! (exits)

Kross and Ryker left Luka and Lumia alone.

LUKA : Those bastards

LUMIA : (soft smile) Time for the check ups.

LUKA : Okay.

Lumia was the one monitoring Luka's condition since she knows a lot when it came to health and stuffs.

LUMIA : Did Kross so something again?

LUKA : Just ran into some mobsters. That brat's always getting himself in trouble.

LUMIA : Looks like it. Your left arm's sore again plus the stitch on your back's starting to itch right? Are you applying the ointment I gave you?

LUKA : I can't reach my back.

LUMIA : (grabs ointment) You should just ask Kross to do it for you, you know.

LUKA : I don't want him looking at this.

LUMIA : No matter how you look at it, he not a child anymore. He'll understand.

LUKA : I know. I just don't want him seeing me weak. That's why I want you to keep doing this for me. You're the only one I can rely on when it comes to this.

LUMIA : I see your point but really for once will you listen to me? When I say no strenuous activities that means no motorbiking too.

LUKA : My bad. It won't happen again.

LUMIA : Alright. I'm done.

LUKA : Thanks.

LUMIA : Just stay here tomorrow. You still need some rest.

LUKA : I understand. Thanks again. Good night.

LUMIA : Luka

LUKA : What?

LUMIA : Really, just ask Kross if you need anything. It'd be easier for the two of you that way.

LUKA : Okay. I'll keep that in mind.

Luka went to his and Kross's room.

The house was only enough for a few people so Luka and Kross decided to just share a room with each other.

LUKA : I thought you already fell asleep. What're you doing my bed?

KROSS : I couldn't sleep and my bed was too cold for me. How's your back? Does it hurt?

LUKA : It's okay. It doesn't hurt like before. Go to sleep already.

KROSS : (hugs pillow) Luka about what happened...

LUKA : Huh? I told you it's okay already-

KROSS : No... (hugs tighter) Three years ago... About your back... It was my fault-

LUKA : Stop it. Not this again.

KROSS : But it's true-

LUKA : Just shut up and get some sleep. I'll do that too.

KROSS : I'm sorry! I know I've been a pain in the ass but I just can't help it..No matter how much I want to be mature, I just can't. I always end up getting you hurt! I didn't mean any of that, I-

LUKA : I don't need that! Just stay the way you are. You don't need to be mature. You don't need to worry about anything. Just stay okay for me and for your dad.

Kross buried his face on the pillow.

KROSS :...

LUKA : Say something.

KROSS :...Thank you

Luka gave Kross another pat messing his sky blue hair.

KROSS : My hair!

LUKA : That blue hair of yours looks good on a mess

KROSS : (shoves) Don't touch! Takes me hours to get those spikes gone!

LUKA : (laughs) You sound like a normal teenage boy now. Scoot over to your bed and go to sleep already. What are you staying on my bed for? Want to share it with me? (chuckles)

KROSS : (turns red) No way! Gross! Don't make me sick! (moves away)

LUKA : We used to share everything though when you were younger.

KROSS : (extremely red) D-Don't talk like some sentimental freak! That was ages ago! Move on man!

LUKA : You're so easy to tease. (laughs) G'night.

Kross stood behind Luka. Their backs facing one another. Luka was a lot taller than Kross. The two became silent until Kross broke the ice.

KROSS : Hey

LUKA : What?

KROSS : You'll stay with me...right?

LUKA : (soft smile) Of course.

KROSS : (smile) Okay. Good night.