40 years ago

Forty years ago.

James's group had yet to form, the men were just a whole bunch of nobodies. 

"Jonny, you up?" A voice beckoned him from the hold of sleep."Come on, wake up." The voice is soft and caring, the kind that makes you want to give in and do all they wish. 

Jonny opens his eyes from his lustful sleep, a sleep filled with the gougeres face in front of him. The face of a young maiden, her hair shiny gold, her body sleek like a cat. 

"Jewy?" 

"There coming."

Jonny was to his feet in a fraction of a second, racing after Jewy's heels down the entrance to the back alley. Two big men wearing thick coats and dirt filled hats are chasing after them. Be it barrer, merchants carts, or fences, Jewy's light frame flew over them faster than a bug. The men, who weren't used to the strain of long distance running, soon fell behind. Leaving them alone in an open field. 

"I can't believe those Rats, they never know when to give up." Jonny spattered out well panting. 

"It's for the best, that fraud of a leader, only knows how to steal what's not his. If we got unlucky instead of just being chased out of town he would steal our lives." She said with the least bit of effort. 

Jonny plops down, staring into the blue sky. Jewy finds a seat right next to him.

"Lynx is looking for you." She said.

"What does that bastard want?"

"You still hate him?"

"For heaven's sake, of course I hate that old bastard." 

"He's only two years older than you, plus I heard this job is big, big enough to get you a house of your own."

"Jewy." Jonny looked at her stunning eyes and had to hold himself back not to kiss her. "Did he offer you in on it two?"

Jewy gave a light nod of assurance. Jonny had to force himself to look away. 

"It's enough." Jewy whispered into his ear. That thrill of her touching voice sent a chill down his spine. But Johny knew as to what she said, and as to why it must be whispered. It was enough to buy Jewy from Lynx, It was enough to save his beloved. 

A smile creased both their faces. Jonny has wished for this moment countless times and now it sits just before him, just one more job. He knew that Lynx treasured Jewy, however he also knew Lynx was fair and would allow her to go for a profit. Step by step, the words his mother would tell him when he struggled in his studies, Johny never saw the use in them, but now he knows how much it helps to ease the nerves. Step by step.

Jewy grabbed onto a wildflower and pulled its stem from its base, then slid it into her ear.

"How does it look?"

"Amazing." Jonny murmured.