Hammond

Blitz was astonished by the numerous high buildings of the city. Seeing from the docks he could see smoke emitting from a distance, hovering above the buildings. I’ve never seen this place before, he thought as he continued to have his eyes glued to the sight in front of him.

"Blitz!" Kassick shouted from the dock. "Get down now, we're here" The boy followed suit to the docks. His oversized shirt got the best of him as the sleeves were far too long, looking like he had dangling worn out arms.

Kassick shook his head and helped him adjust the arm sleeves. Blitz took a few seconds and looked around the docks. There were many people in all shapes and sizes, with clothes that brought out many colors for him to see. Soon after his attention turned to his left. His eyes widened what was beside him.

"CHICKEN!", he said yelling out and pointing out a chicken. as a few bystanders looked at him, but went on with their business.

"You really need to get new clothing, as do I", Kassick said then noticing the hunger like eyes in Blitz. "And food too". He stopped upon noticing a fruit stand just not far. He went over there and the boy followed suit.

"How much for an apple?". Kassick asked the seller.

"1 gold coin for 2"

"What the? Gold? Are you bluffing?"

"Clearly you're new in town mister", said the seller. "Bentham is part of Europe but we haven't adjusted to the systems in places such as England and France. Then again I don't think we will make things work here like they do there."

"Damn it", Kassick said as he went to what seemed like a bench and sat there. Blitz followed and sat next to him. Blitz soon hummed in surprise upon seeing a man with a top hat and overcoat coming toward him and Kassick. The boy scratched his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things.

He wasn't.

"Hello there", said the man in the top hat. "I couldn't help notice your attempts to get used to being here. Are you two new in town?"

"Who's asking?", asked Kassick as Blitz nudged towards him, even hiding behind him.

"I'm no threat gentleman". The man took off his top hat. "My name is Hammond. I run a very firm yet profitable business around these parts of Bentham. I could use a couple of hands such as yourselves."

Blitz felt some shivers tingle up his spine as he took out his hand, starting to emit electricity. He prepared himself just in case this Hammond tried to harm him or Kassick, who put his hand away.

"What kind of work?", Kassick asked Hammond, eyeing him. The man with the top hat only chuckled.

"I cannot say for now, only when you come with me and you'll see for yourselves. But I can say it will be very profitable for anyone working there, including you and your son here."

"He's not my son", Kassick mentioned. "And what if we say no?"

"Then I won't force you two. I understand that everyone has their choices, and that we have to respect them. But if you do say no, then you'll have to forget about our encounter or else."

There was silence among the 3 individuals. What seemed like seconds felt like minutes. Minutes felt like hours. Blitz was quiet the entire time. He felt the pockets of his pants, before his eyes widened and realized he still had his brother's photo. He took it out, and remembered this place was Bentham.

He's here. But where to find him? His thoughts were disturbed by a voice.

"On one condition." Kassick said with his arms folded as this had Hammond's ears perked. "Blitz here is looking for someone. Someone very important to him. Blitz, show him the photo."

Blitz held out the photo and saw Hammond. His hands clenched onto the photo.

"I won't ruin your photo, child. Trust me.". Hammond said as Blitz gave him the photo of his brother. Hammond's eyes peaked with interest. "Hmm, is this your brother?". He asked towards Blitz, who nodded very slowly as he received the photo back.

"If we work for you, then you'll help Blitz here find his brother", Kassick said toward Hammond.

Seconds of silence passed. "Very well, that can be arranged.", Hammond said. "I don't have a brother myself, but I can feel the pain the child feels being separated from his sibling. Now follow me."

"Where are we going?” asked Blitz.

"I have no idea kid", Kassick said. "We'll just have to see."