《Before The Pack: Brotherhood》 Prologue Six year old Zack sat on his stool to eat a breakfast his father made for him. His father sat across from him as he ate his lamb. He looked at his son and smiled. The boy looked up at him in wonder. "What are we doing TODAY, Pa?" The father set his form down and gazed at Zack. "Well son, we are going out of town to do more fishin''." "Marlin?" Zack asked him. The father shook his head and pointed his finger. "SHARK!" He said with an upbeat attitude. The boy smiled happily as he ate his leftover lamb stew. The father smiled too, until suddenly, he heard pounding on the door. Immediately, he raced over to grab his spear and braced himself. Zack looked over at the door with worry. He then looked at his father. The father opened the door, and there stood a heavy man with a big mustache. He was wearing a leather-made apron, and heavy boots. Besides the man stood a boy, the same age as Zack. The young boy looked up at Zack''s father in terror. The boy had short, curly hair and tan skin. He wore dusty rags. The little boy panted as he looked up from Zack''s father to the man, who grabbed hold of his neck collar. Zack''s father sighed in relief. The man then began to speak as he rubbed his neck. "Sorry to bother ye, but I''ve found this kid scuffling through baked goods at the market. He thought he could get away with it, but he explained to me that he has no money or family..."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Zack then curiously ran to join in the conversation. The curly haired boy looked at him and smiled nervously. Both Zack and his father exchanged glances. The man continued. "Anyway, we, I was just wondering if you know a good place for him?" Zack''s father smiled and looked at his son. "Would you like him to stay with us?" "LIVE with us?" Zack said with excitement. His father chuckled and looked at the man. "He''ll have his place here." The curly haired boy gasped. "REALLY?" Zack ushered him inside, and the curly haired boy ran in. ............................. Zack and his father packed up food for the road, while the other boy looked around the cozy place in amazement. Zack looked at the boy. "I''m Zack, what''s YOUR name?" The boy looked at him nervously. "M - Matthew." He answered with wide eyes. Zack smiled. "Nice to meet you!" The boy, known as Matthew, laughed nervously. Zack''s father then comes into the small living section, and looks down at Matthew. "Are you hungry?" Matthew nodded his head repeatedly. Zack''s father then had him go sit down at the small table, and fixed him the remainder of lamb stew. He then grabbed an apple, rubbed it on his chest, and gave it to the boy. The boy scarfe down every bite of the apple and stew. The father even poured him a glass of milk. Matthew drained the beverage in one gulp. Zack''s father smiled with glee. "That milk is from my good friend. She owns a few goats and a couple o'' cows...I always tell her the milk is best in the land!" Matthew smiled. "She - gives milk away?" Zack''s father chuckled. "She sells them for coin." "Oh." Suddenly, Zack walks in to break up their conversation. "Everything''s ready, Pa!" Zack''s father nodded. Matthew looked at them curiously. "Wh - where are we going?" "We''re going to fish. We got a horse and a carriage that will take us to the next town." Matthew looked at Zack. "Are you guys going to sell them for coin?" Zack nodded. Matthew giggled. "Cool! So what are we fishing for?" "Shark." Zack replied. The father then gathered up the boys, tools and food for the trip. Then they all left town ............................................. Chapter 1: Eight Years Later...... Matthew roamed thee Village proudly. Him and Zack were going to go hunting! What better way to have bro time, right? Matthew held his slingshot to his chest and smiled. Hopefully this meal will sell for good profit. While their father goes out of town to make his own money, Matthew and Zack hunt for game in the deep forest. Though they''ve rarely been getting anything good. Only small animals like foxes and moles. He''s learned that more big animals were further deep in the forest, but no one was allowed to roam there. For good reason. He doesn''t remember why.... And he doesn''t care! He found Zack, with his spear loaned by his father, by a nearby tree. He smiled at Matthew. "Ready?" "Let''s go!" ........................................ Within an hour, they have returned to the Village. They gave their collection of foxes, mice, a few grouses and one squirrel to the local butcher. The butcher gave each of them a small pouch of payment.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. On their way home, Matthew looked at the thriving town. He winked at girls and elderly ladies, he waved at a few farmers, and said hello to the blacksmith that snagged him from the streets several years ago. Zack chuckled and shook his head. ....................................... Their father made it home same time as they did. He waved at the boys. That night, the boys helped their father prepare soup. And what was awesome about it, is that it''s Sharkfin soup! It''s been Matthew''s long time favorite. They are as they discussed their findings today. Matthew proudly showed off his pouch full of coin. Zack rolled his eyes. Their father nodded as he suddenly pulled out a good sized wooden box from under the chair and gave it to Matthew. Matthew opened the box, and there, shining in the daylight lay a silver necklace. He looked at his father with confusion. The father cleared his throat. "Sally was looking through your parents'' home and found this. There was a note, that got carried away by thieves. Sally tried to reclaim it, but it was too late..." Matthew tilted his head. "What did it say?" He then put on the necklace of chains. The father answered. "In the note, it basically said, that when your mother was dying, she wrote down what she wanted her only son to have. This was it." Matthew stared at the table, avoiding eye contact. "I wish I would''ve met her." "She wanted, in this way, to be with you at all times. That necklace was passed down from many generations. She would''ve wanted you to claim it as your own. Matthew nodded slowly. ................................ From that day forward, Matthew always wore that necklace. ......................................... Chapter 2: New Kid in Town The next day, Matthew and Zack were on their way to hunt, until they heard commotion going on. They both turned their heads and noticed a crowd of people were cheering and raising bottles. Zack sighed and shook his head. "Come on, Matthew, there''s work to be done." The curly haired boy couldn''t help but wonder what was going on. Zack turned to him and clasped his shoulder.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Come on, we''ll check it out when we get back." Matthew looked from him, then back to the crowd, then carried on, with Zack in the lead. ........................... When they came back, they wandered off to where the crowd use to be. Matthew and Zack exchanged glances. "What was THAT all about?" Matthew wondered. "I have no clue. When they got to the butcher''s shoppe, the boys asked him about the crowd that were drinking a while ago. The butcher sighed. Chapter 2: New Kid in Town (part 2) "A family moved here just yesterday. An old woman and two boys." Matthew scoffed. "Okay, is this the Villagers'' new way of meeting newcomers?" "Pff, of course not! What''s really going on with the crowd is that her youngest son is already causing trouble!" Zack looked at the butcher with seriousness. "What kind of trouble?" "Ahh, rebellion, party going...you name it. He''s just moved yesterday, and he already thinks he owns this town! Damn teenagers!" The butcher mumbled.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "But - but WE are teenagers!"Matthew mentioned. The butcher chuckled. "I''m not worried about you boys...most teens I''ve been around act like they''re fucking presidents!" Matthew sighed in relief, he really thought the butcher was including them. Zack gives him a side eye. The butcher then added. "If I were you boys, you best stay away from that kid. Best to keep to yourselves." Matthew and Zack nodded in obedience. ........................... After dinner, the boys went to bed. Matthew looked at the ceiling of their shack. "I don''t get it....how are we supposed to stay away if we don''t even know his name, or what he looks like?" Zack sighed. "I have no clue, but Mac''s right....we need to stick to us." ............................. Chapter 2: New Kid in Town (part 3) The next morning, Matthew traveled to the Village market. He wanted to get some stuff for tonight''s dinner. As he was making his purchase of bread, milk and cheese, he heard someone from a distance. He didn''t turn his head, but he did listen to every word: "Hey, you there, any place here I can get more rum? There will be this party, hosted by yours truly!" The voice sounded sly and cunning, also young. Matthew furrowed his brows as he continued to listen in. "Get lost, kid. I mean it!" "Aw, man. A kind person like you is refusing service? Shitty." Suddenly, Matthew heard someone getting thrown down, and the sound of glass breaking. That was when Matthew turned and noticed a boy about his age tackle a man. He found himself charging at the attacker. "HEY, GET OFF OF HIM!" he cried as he knocked the boy to the ground. The mouse brown haired kid looked at him with surprise. Matthew was panting. "Leave him alone!" he demanded. The boy wheezed as he stood up. He then tilted his head at Matthew. He could notice that the boy wasn''t walking in a straight line, as he approached him. Is this kid shit-faced or something?Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The boy spoke. "What are you going to do about it?" he then sneered at him. Matthew glared. "I''ll fight you!" his voice squeaked. The boy laughed. "Okay, Big Boy! Let''s fight!" He swung at him and Matthew dodged in a panic. What did he get himself into? He wasn''t a fighter! Matthew missed the next swing, the boy''s first slammed into his cheek, and it knocked him down. He felt his bruising cheek, and BOY did it sting! The boy laughed, and Matthew glared up at him. The boy stood right over him, holding his emptying bottle up to face the sky. He took one last swig of it, and then smashed it on the ground, leaving the broken neck in his hand. He then shoved it in his pants Matthew shook his head in disbelief. What the hell was THAT? "Guess who the REAL man of this fight is! Hm? Can you guess? You fucking pussy?" Matthew then got defensive with humiliation. "STOP IT!" Before the boy can take off his pants, Zack came in and slammed his face. Zack looked down at Matthew angrily. "GET UP!" "OOOH! HOO! HOO! What have we got here? Does someone have the actually BALLS to take me?" The boy cackled. Zack folded his arms. "You better fucking leave us, now!" His blond friend demanded. Matthew could see the fear going in the drunken boy''s eyes as he looked at Zack. He could see why. Zack was a bit taller than this kid. The boy then showed a new side to that self-righteous attitude: anger. The boy snarled and swung his fist at Zack, but the blond got to him first. Zack punched him in the gut and kicked his knee, causing the boy to fall. "Get out of here!" Zack roared. The boy said nothing as he got up and jumped away from the scene. Zack turned around, Matthew could see he was still angry. The blond lend in a hand, and Matthew took it. When he stood up, Zack folded his arms once again. "What the fuck were you doing?" Matthew stammered. "H - he w - w - was beating up an - n old g - guy." Zack sighed. "Let''s get back home." He said calmly. "Are you alright?" "Yeah!" Matthew panted. He couldn''t believe the behavior of that kid... And was he about to.....PISS on him? Chapter 3: The Invitation Zack heard a pounding on the door the next day. He opened it, and there stood the wasted kid. The boy smirked at him. Zack folded his arms and scowled. The boy then spoke. "I''m afraid we got off the wrong foot yesterday. I don''t think I''ve properly introduced myself, the name''s Max." "Zack. Look, how the hell did you know where I live?" "I followed you home." Max said simply. Zack sighed. "Great. What business do you have?" He questioned. "I see a guy that has true potential to be a new member of my group. You''re badass! I like you!" The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Zack scoffed and looked to the side. "You''re full of bullshit." "No, I mean it! Come on, there''s this big party tonight, and I wanted to invite you." Zack laughed. "Yeah, no. I''m not going to be part of a crowd of drunk people. You need to leave." Max looked up at the sky, impatiently, and laughed to himself. "If you don''t do this, then I''m going to fuck that weasel that''s with you." Zack laughed again. "Oh, really?" He then pounded his fist on the door, this made Max jump. "After I just whomped you yesterday? Oh, wait, you must''ve been too shit-faced to remember!" Max didn''t say a word. Zack slammed the door on him, then looked at Matthew, whoo was standing across the room, leaning against the wall. The curly haired boy shook his head. ........................................ The following days, Matthew did his best to avoid Max any way he could; but with just how defenseless he was, he kept getting the shit beat out of him. Some days, Zack would rescue him and scare Max off, other days, he would limp home. ......................................... Chapter 4: The Invitation (part 2) ..................................... Matthew looked at the necklace given to him. He studied it, then put it back on before heading out. He decided to grab his slingshot in case Max stops by. As he walked on, Matthew stopped when Max came in front of him with his hands on his hips. Matthew sighed. "Hey pussy, I want you to send a message to Zack!" "What''s that?" Max smirked. "I want you to tell him he needs to go to that party." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Matthew scoffed. "Is this how you make friends?" Suddenly, Max stomped towards him, and pulled his chain, causing him to choke. "You need to do as I say!" He hissed. Matthew smirked as well and raised his eyebrows. "I don''t think so!" He whispered. Max''s fury pampered down as he eyeballed the necklace. He smirked again. Max went behind Matthew and unsnapped the chain. "HEY!" Matthew cried. Max ignored him as he put the necklace on himself and smiled at Matthew. "That was my mother''s!" Matthew pointed out. Max laughed "I''m sure your sweet mother won''t mind me borrowing this for a while..." "She''s DEAD!" Matthew shouted. "Well then, when you see her again, tell her I said, ''Thanks!''." Matthew lunged himself at Max, but missed as the bully backed up. "Ah, ah, ah! Your buddy needs to come first! It''s rude to deny an invitation." Defeatedly, Matthew said. "Fine, I''ll fucking tell him!" Max nodded and walked off with the stolen chain wrapped around his neck. Chapter 4: The Party Zack groaned. "I''m going to fucking kill him! This is ridiculous!" "Please Zack, you don''t have to drink, just walk right in there....maybe he''ll give it back to you!" Matthew convinced. "It''s not that simple. That''s not how guys like him work." Zack turned to his friend, who was lowering his head with hopelessness. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Zack sighed. "I will step in, but you need to find a way to get it without getting caught." Matthew looked up at him, and then found himself wallowing up in self pity. "He thinks I''m too pathetic to be invited. Isn''t that shitty?" Zack shook his head. "No time to pity yourself, Matthew. Come on, let''s get your necklace back." "He didn''t even invite me!" Matthew complained again. Zack rolled his eyes. Seeing his annoyance, Matthew changed the subject. "The old tavern right?" "The only big place in this town? Yes!" ..............,........................... Chapter 4: The Party Zack knocked on the door, and there stood Max. The boy smiled. "Greetings, my friend!" Max welcomed him in, and what the blond noticed was that nearly half the town was there. Music played, and people were dancing, and drinking their tankards. This place was....neat, and cheery. Zack shook his head, and looked at Max with confusion. "What IS this?" "Oh, we''re not there yet." Max said. He took him to the back of the bar counter and stomped the floor. A trapdoor opened and in they went. Zack could immediately get a strong aroma of burning herbs. Disgusted, he wrinkled his nose. He looked to his left, and saw that some kids their age were dumping white powder in their drinks. He then looked to his right, and saw that a couple were making out in the corner of the room. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. He followed Max to the far end of the large, dimly lit room, and stopped as Max gave him a gesture, telling him to wait. The boy swept the drinks off the counter and climbed on. He stood in the center like it was a stage. Zack could hear the cheering come from across the way. The room then silenced. Max cleared his throat and began to speak. "Lads and Ladies, it''s been a great pleasure for each and every one of you to be a part of this new society we are building for ourselves...right here." The crowd cheered, but Max silenced them. "But tonight, what I wanted to announce is that we have a new member to our clan! May I present to you, Zack!" The crowd cheered once again. Max ushered the blond to come on stage, but Zack shook his head. The crowd exclaimed in disappointment for the new kid''s lack of cooperation. "Dont disrespect Max!" A man shouted at Zack, but Max stopped him. The boy chuckled. "It''s alright, he''s a little shy...let''s not sweat it for him." Zack cautiously looked around the room. God, PLEASE hurry with this, Matthew! ............................................. Upstairs --- Matthew crawled and ducked underneath drunken people that danced on the floor. He slid his way into the bar. He carried his slingshot for a good distraction. How was he going to get inside without anyone seeing him? ............................... Chapter 4: The Party Suddenly, a noise was heard from upstairs, and people were screaming. Zack and the crowd looked up, even Max. The brown haired boy looked at Zack with a panicked look, then sent someone to go look, but the person he ordered was too scared to go. Max groaned and went up there himself, Zack followed him. The scene was full of terrified people. Zack looked around, and noticed shattered glass scattered all over the floor. A man stood frozen with a broken bottle in his hand. The blond scanned the room. Where the hell was Matthew? This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Max stomped to the middle of the room. "Okay, who''s responsible for this?" He demanded. Suddenly, Matthew grabbed Max from behind, but the mouse brown haired kid was too quick for him. He swung his fist at Matthew and laughed. "Nice try!" Zack jumps in and pulls Max away from him. He tried to unhook the chain, but the boy slipped out from under him. "Sorry, you can''t have it!" Max said. Zack snarled, and Matthew looked at the troubled drunk kid. "It doesn''t belong to you, asshat! You told me you''ll give it back!" Matthew screamed. Max laughed. "DID I say that?" "YES!" Max chuckled and locked his lips. "Eh, I change my mind." "Why do you have to be such a dick!" Matthew exclaimed. "My house, my rules!" Max said simply. Then he left the tavern, leaving Matthew and Zack speechless. ........................ Chapter 5: Stowaways The next morning, Zack left Matthew home. He was going to Sally''s today, but something caught his eye. He turned towards the small house a distance away. And there stood Max, hugging an older lady. The old lady kissed him and patted his shoulders. Max then left her to join who is supposedly his older brother. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Zack looked both ways to make sure he wasn''t spotted, and crept closer; he hid behind barrels and crates, and looked above them to see Max interacting with his brother. "You ready for the voyage, Max?" The older sibling asked with a smile. Chapter 5: Stowaways (part 2) "Ready as I''ll ever be!" Max replied with glee. Voyage? Where are they going? Zack listened in closely. "Alright....the carriage will arrive in fifteen minutes." The older brother mentioned. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Max nodded. Zack raced home to tell Matthew. .................................. "A VOYAGE?" Matthew said with surprise. "I know this may be stupid, but I think we have to go." Zack declared. Matthew scoffed. "We''ll get caught!" "I know, but I have a plan." Matthew tilted his head. Zack then said, "We''re going to sneak on board." .................................. Chapter 5: Stowaways (part 3) When the carriage arrived, Max and his brother jumped in. As soon as the brothers did, Zack and Matthew carefully put their weight on the outside, and rode on top of the carriage. The boys looked around. Matthew gave Zack a determined look. He mouthed the words, "No one seeing us?" Zack nodded, and mouthed, "We''re good." Even though they weren''t seen, the driver in front of her just might. The blond prayed silently that he won''t turn around. ................................ When they reached the city full of life, Zack waited for Max to jump out. When he did, they fell behind a little ways to follow him. Zack and Matthew ducked behind boxes of cargo. They suddenly heard the older sibling talk to Max. "The ship will be here in a couple minutes. Then we''ll transport the stuff." Max nodded. "Alright." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The older sibling looked at the chain round Max''s neck. "Nice chain, where''d you get it?" "Ah, my friend gave it to me!" Matthew clenched his fists and glared at Zack. They heard the sound of a horn, and there was the ship. Max and his brother hauled boxes onto the ship and got on board. Zack and Matthew then slipped in without anyone noticing them. A few hours have passed and the ship stopped. Zack and Matthew heard the others boys above them do more work, and when the coast was clear, they got off the ship and into a golden city. "Whoah..." Matthew breathed. "I don''t think I''ve ever been taken here before..." Zack silenced him. "We need to keep moving, we''re right on his tail." Max and his brother separated, and of course the brown haired kid goes inside a tavern. Matthew looked at Zack nervously. "H - how are we going to stop him?" Zack sighed. "I don''t know just yet....let''s go explore the town a bit....I have a feeling he''s going to be in there for a while; but let''s find some food first, and an inn...then we''ll go from there." Matthew didn''t answer. Zack looked down at him with confusion. "What?" "I have an idea! Let''s go to the same inn that douche plans on taking....that way, we could sneak into his room and retrieve it!" Zack chuckled. "I like that idea!" "Thank you, now let''s get some food, I''m STARVIN''!" Chapter 5: Stowaways (part 4) When night fell, the boys got up and crept across the hall to Max''s room. Zack turned to face Matthew and held out his hand. Matthew gave him the extra key he snagged from the front desk. With a light click, Zack slowly opened the door, with Matthew right behind him. They noticed the boy was sleeping by himself in that room. Perfect, Zack thought. Matthew looked at the shining silver necklace that lay on Max''s bedside. Zack looked over his shoulder to make sure someone wasn''t there. As Matthew attempted to grab the necklace, a hand shot out and clutched it, making Matthew jump. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. An awakened Max shot up and looked from him to Zack with confusion and fury. "How in the FUCK did you get here?" Zack folded his arms. "It doesn''t matter, we NEED that necklace!" Max chuckled. "You just can''t seem to quit, can you?" Zack noticed out of the corner of his eye, that Matthew was creeping closer to take the chain, but Max held it back from him. Suddenly, it slipped from his grasp, and fell out the open window into the streets below. "Oh shit!" Max exclaimed. Matthew gasped and Zack, who was now enraged, lunged himself at Max. Zack pushed the drunken boy against the wall. "Alright, alright, fine! You win! The necklace is yours anyway...." Max looked out the window, even Zack and Matthew looked out, and noticed that a thief picked it up and took off running. "SHIT!" Matthew shouted. "Shhh!" Both Max and Zack demanded. Matthew growled and kicked Max, making the boy grunt. "You stupid piece of shit! This is all your fault! Now I can''t get it back!" Chapter 5: Stowaways (part 5) Max stood frozen with fury, but didn''t say a word. Zack sighed. "He''s not worth it, Matthew. Let''s go track down the thief and get it back, and go home!" Matthew sighed in defeat and left Max alone. "Wait!" Max called out. Zack sighed angrily, then looked back at him. Max then said. "My brother''s gone with our only transportation back. He told me he''ll be gone for a few days...then he back to pick me up. If you wait, he will take you guys home." Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Zack folded his arms. "Why do you care about our wellbeing?" "It''s not that I CARE...it''s about common sense! If you guys walked back to the Village, you will be in your fifties! Just wait for Ben to come back." Zack shook his head in disbelief, then looked at Matthew. "Alright, fine. We''ll wait...in the meantime, we''ll find what you stole from us!" Max didn''t say another word. Until finally, "What does that thing mean to you anyway?" He said, licking his teeth "Is it worth more riches than you can think of?" Zack scoffed. "Matthew''s dead mother he never KNEW gave it to him." Max folded his arms and chuckled. "Fine....I''ll help too." Zack nodded. ..................................... Chapter 6: The Search Begins "So, we search first thing in the morning." Zack announced. Max groaned. "Alright, not too early. I get one HELL of a hangover around sun up." He said as he took a swig from his liquor. Matthew rolled his eyes. "That''s not my problem. Tomorrow, at six. Sharp!" Zack demanded. "I will even wake your ass up." He said, grumbling. Max groaned again. "Whatever." He mumbled. He plopped down in the bed and fell right asleep. Zack sighed and looked at Matthew. They both shook their heads, and carried on. ....................................... Back in their room, they lay. "Zack, I don''t trust him that he''ll keep his word. I mean, did you look at him? He''s a drunk! He''ll BARELY remember what he said the next morning!" Matthew complained. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "I know, I know. But whether he said he will help or not, he''s helping us to fix this mess!" Zack then sighed and turned to fall asleep. Matthew grumbled. "We better find it fast. I hate his God damn guts!" ........................... The next morning, at exactly six, Matthew and Zack were ready..but Max wasn''t. Zack went up to his door and knocked loudly. When there was no answer, he oped the door and stormed in. Somehow, Max''s body was sprawled face down on the floor right beside the bed. The blankets were strewn everywhere. Zack sighed, shaking his head. He went to the sink where a bucket lay and filled it up, and dumped the ice cold water on his head." "FUCK!" Max exclaimed as he shot his head up, accidentally smacking the back of his head under the nightstand. Matthew winced. Max groaned, holding the back of his head. But Zack ignored the commotion. He folded his arms. "Get up!" Max slowly cranked his head up to see Zack and groaned again. "Fuck you!" Before Zack can grab Max''s arm, the boy forced himself up and glared at him. "Jesus Christ, asshat!" He mumbled under his breath. Chapter 6: The Search Begins (part 2) They walked down to the alleyway, where they''ve seen the thief. "Do we even know what he looks like?" Matthew asked Zack. "I couldn''t get a description but a cloak." He answered. Max stared straight ahead, until suddenly, something caught his eye. Someone in a dark cloak was walking some distance ahead of them. In the background, he could hear the guys talk back and forth. "Hey, shut up!" Max ordered. The boys looked in the same direction. Suddenly, Matthew shot out from behind Max and took off, running after the thief. Zack groaned as he chased after him, and so did Max Then the thief took off like a bolt of lightning, and left Matthew panting. Zack and Max caught up to him. Max folded his arms and growled. "You are so FUCKING retarded! Why did you do that?" He exclaimed. But Matthew ignored him and looked straight at Zack. "I was so close!" Zack groaned. "We won''t get it back unless we start working together!" He turned to face Max. "Agreed?" Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "Pff...whatever..." Max then wandered off. Zack tilted his head. "Where are you going?" "To grab a drink! I''ll be about an hour or so." He answered. "Seriously? We need to catch him!" Zack retorted. "Yeah, don''t worry. I''ll be back in a bit." Zack looked down at a frustrated Matthew. He looked back in Max''s direction. "Let''s go follow him..." "WHAT?" "We need to find something to eat anyway." Matthew smacked his lips. "Yeah, I could go for some clam chowder." Zack sighed as he smiled at the thought. "Me too." ............................... Inside a nearby tavern, Zack and Matthew found Max sitting alone, swallowing his liquor. Zack looked at Matthew, but the curly haired boy shook his head. "Please tell me that we''re not sitting over there! Please?" ............................ The boys ate in silence. Zack bought food for Max, but the drunken boy scowled. "Why did you just order this? I got myself covered!" Zack scoffed. "On what? THAT? You won''t live to see next MONTH if you just keep drinking. Go on, eat! That has more nutrients than the bottle!" Max clenched the bottle and glared at Zack. "Fuck you!" The blond boy shrugged. "Whatever." Max then slowly picked at the food given to him. Afterwards, the boys continued their quest. Zack broke the silence. "I think we should ask around." Max then laughed. "How unintelligible ARE you? That will take ages!" Zack then retorted. "You got any BETTER ideas?" "I do actually....and that is to go back to the place where we''d first seen him....before THIS jackass chased him off!" Matthew clenched his fists and step towards Max. "Shut the fuck up!" He demanded. Zack got in between them. "Guys, we only got four days left...let''s make them count!" Matthew growled as both him and Zack followed Max back to the site. Chapter 6: The Search Begins (part 3) When they reached the site, they searched around for any trace of the thief. They looked under benches, looked behind barrels and rocks. That was when Max looked inside and open barrel, then suddenly threw it down. He dragged out what was inside it, their thief! Max stood over him and folded his arms. "Good, you''re here! Now tell us, where''s the fucking necklace?" "It - it - it''s GONE! I sold it to some merchants. They''ll be taking it overseas!" The thief shook. Max then angrily grabbed the thief''s tunic and pushed him against the wall. "Are you fucking serious?" He hissed. Zack then went rushing over. "What''s wrong?" A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Max then the thief down. "Oh nothing, just got carried off overseas to get sold!" "WHAT?" Matthew exclaimed. The thief trembled. "No, no, no, no, no, no! They''re not doing it yet, they''re on their way to the docks right now!" Max glared at the thief. Matthew groaned. ...................... The three boys raced over to the loading docks, and that was when they saw the last of the cargo get loaded onto the ship. Matthew goes charging after the ship. "Wait! Wait!" Matthew exclaimed. The men stopped and looked at the boy. Zack and Max were right behind him. "Make it quick boy, we''re about to leave!" One of the men said. Matthew panted. "I lost the necklace!" The men looked at one another, then back to the boy. "I don''t recall seeing a necklace get in any of our boxes." Matthew groaned again. "Please, can we look?" The man scratched his mustache. "Mmm, I''m sorry...but I can''t. We''re already late for our deliveries." Max lowered his head angrily. "Can you at least take us with you?" Zack asked the man. "No children on the ship. Sorry." Then before their eyes, the ship started sailing. Max sighed. "Son of a God damned bitch!" Chapter 6: The Search Begins (part 5) Matthew panted and looked at Max. His panic quickly turned to anger. He stomped towards him. "This is your fault!" Max didn''t say a word. Matthew continued. "None of this would''ve happened if you would''ve just kept to yourself, instead of tormenting me all fucking day long!" Matthew then began to walk away. Zack looked at Max. The mouse brown haired kid only folded his arms. "All you had to do was to go to that party...alone!" Zack glared at him. "You LIED to us!" This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Max then glared back at him. "I would''ve ....but you broke that promise. So who''s fault is that?" Zack scoffed. "WOULD you?" Max laughed. "THAT was our deal! You join my fucking party, without any runt, I give you his necklace back!" Anger boiled inside of Zack, but he kept a straight face. "His name is MATTHEW! And he''s not a runt!" Max scoffed. "And what is he? A small pathetic weasel?" Zack struck his fist at Max, leaving one hell of a bruise. Max slowly looking at him with anger, then cracked a smile. "This...?" He chuckled. "This is why I like you! This is why I wanted you to be a part of us." Zack shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint, but I have my own clan! Just me and my friend...that''s enough for me!" Max smirked as he folded his arms. "That''s REAL sad, you know? Is this why you don''t have friends? Because you waste your time on that mutt?" Zack wanted to strike again, but he forced himself to keep cool, and turn to him. "I''d rather have a small group of TRUE friends, than be a part of a big group of people with a leader who PREYS ON THE WEAK!" Max then angrily walked away, saying, "I''m done with this...I''m going to get a drink....." Chapter 7: Lost Hope Zack went inside the inn to check on Matthew. The curly haired boy sat on the bed and looked out the window.. "We''re going to get it back...." Zack reassured. Matthew shook his head. "Forget about it....maybe it''s not THAT important." His friend mumbled. "No, don''t say that. It was your mother''s!" He comforted, but Matthew ignored him. "What''s the point?" Zack sighed sadly. How could all of this have gone so wrong. He remembered what Max said to him minutes ago... WOULD he have kept his word if Zack just went by himself? Was he being truthful? Zack sat in the bed next to Matthew and leaned on his elbows on his knees. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "This is my fault..." Zack admitted. Matthew turned to him like he was batshit crazy. The blond continued. "I should''ve just went to the party by myself." Matthew shook his head. "Nah, it''s not your fault. It''s Max''s for being a dipshit!" But Zack pondered on what would''ve been. He thought of the drunken boy, and sighed heavily to himself about the situation. Then he made up his mind. "I''m going to get Max...." Matthew threw his arms out. "WHAT''S THE POINT? He''s too full of himself to listen!" Zack wished he could say something, but couldn''t find words. He got up and walked back outside of the inn, and noticed Max sitting on a stool, draining his booze. Then he looked at the ocean. Zack folded his arms as he looked down at this drunken shell of a man. He sighed. "Get up Max......we''re going to get it back." Max scoffed. "GOING WHERE? IT''S OVER! FINISHED!" Zack suddenly found himself pushing Max off his stool. The drunken boy shot up furiously. "WHAT THE FUCK!" Zack then snarled. "You told us that you would help!" Max wheezed. "That''s what you think." Zack clenched his fists. "Thats what you told us!" "No, I said I was going to come with you, I didn''t SAY that I was going to help!" Zack growled. "BULLSHIT!" He then scoffed. "Why would I even care....you''re a difficult piece of shit." Chapter 8: A Shot In The Dark Suddenly, a knock was heard. Zack opened the door, and there stood Matthew. He set his eyes on Max and grew disappointed and disgusted. "Ugh, HIM again? Zack, he''s nothing but trouble!" Zack sighed. "He wants to helps us." Matthew looked at Max, then said. "Uh huh." Zack looked at Max, who now had his fists clenched. Max finally spoke up. "I believe we could be able to get to that ship." He said calmly. Matthew wheezed. "No, no! I''m not doing ANY fucking thing with you!" He then turned to Zack. "I TOLD you that I want to go home! This doesn''t matter anymore!" But Max retorted. "Look, if no one''s going to work together, then I''LL go track down the ship!" He exclaimed. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Matthew laughed loudly. "Pff...yeah, right. What are you going to do? Sail away?" "No, I''m not!" Matthew rolled his eyes. "I don''t trust you, asshole. Just - " "Matthew, stop! I trust him!" Zack shouted. Matthew wheezed at Zack. "His life must''ve been REAL pathetic then." "SHUT UP!" Max shouted. "I will. Get that chain back! Once this is over, I''ll leave you guys alone! We can go out separate ways! You''ll never see me again!" "The last time you made a promise, you blew it! I''m done! Done with your bullshit!" Matthew retorted. "In fact, leave us. Right now...and don''t EVER come back! Zack and I are going home. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I''m getting breakfast." Matthew then left Zack and Max. Zack looked over at him. The brown haired boy''s face flushed with fury. He walked out of the room, and Zack went after him. "Max!" "No, he''s right. I''m nothing but scum anyway!" Zack shook his head. "No it''s not true. I see potential in you. Don''t see yourself as anything but worthy." Max shut his eyes, then opened them and looked at Zack with sadness in his eyes. "You''re wrong to trust me, Zack." He then walked away without looking back. Zack held the back of his neck. Chapter 8: A Shot In The Dark Max fought the urgency to get a beer. He fought to just ignore the voices and continue on walking....waiting. What for though? It''s boring as hell in this town! Suddenly, Max''s attention turned back to the tavern. No, no! You heard what Zack said. Wait, why does it matter to him what Zack thinks? He was only trying to help. A voice in his mind said. He groaned, as he rubbed his skull. The urgency was like someone scratching him underneath his skin. The itch was unbearable. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Fuck!" Max said, giving up the fight. He walked into the tavern and bought himself the beer he wanted. All of a sudden, his attention was drawn to the bartender talking to one of his customers. The bartender spoke. "Yeah, I''ve known that that ship was traveling to Venice just yesterday." Max then found himself interrupting the conversation. "Pardon me, but what exactly was being carried on that ship?" The bartender looked at him with interest as he answered the question. "Gold, jewelry...you name it. Why does this knowledge pertain to you?" Max lowered his head as he faked his own disappointment. "I - uh, lost something of mine there." He lied. "I didn''t realize until it was too late. Did you say that it''s in Venice?" This was when the customer spoke. "I have a boat you can borrow! Though it''ll take double time to get there." Max nodded, and smiled with gratitude. "Thank you!" ....................................... Chapter 8: A Shot In The Dark A couple hours have passed when Zack and Matthew packed their belongings...waiting for their shop to return to pick them up. Zack was slowly beginning to worry about Max. Seeing concern in his eyes, Matthew asked him, "What?" Zack shook his thoughts away. "I''m just worried about Max." Matthew scoffed. "Why? I told you not to trust him!" Zack looked up and sighed to himself. Dropping the clothes, he walked out the door. "I''m going to see if he''s okay." Matthew rolled his eyes. "Whatever." This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. .......................... Zack went to the familiar place Max liked to go to. He looked around, but no sign of him. He then walked up to the bartender and asked about him. The bartender rubbed his chin in thought, then looked at him again. "What does he look like, boy?" Zack described Max to them. The bartender held his head up. "Ah, yes...we were just talking to him a long while ago. He should be halfway there now...." He said half to himself. Zack furrowed his brows. "I''m sorry...what?" The customer then spoke. "He took my boat to travel to Venice." He said simply. Zack was taken back...then remembered what Matthew was joking about a while ago. Did he really just abandon them? Did he decide to go find his brother? The world around Zack then grew silent and blurred. How could have he done this? What if we had no boat? Matthew was right...Max IS a liar. Disappointment hit him so much that he didn''t listen to the two men in front of him, as he slowly walked out of the tavern. Chapter 8: A Shot In The Dark Zack returned to the room, and looked at Matthew with disappointment. He then noticed that Matthew took was in distress. Why? Zack furrowed his brows. "Is everything alright?" Matthew shook his head. "No, it''s not. I''ve just been given notice about the arrival of the ship....they canceled our ride with them. Just too many errands to run. They can''t. They ditched us!" He said in a panic. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Zack put a hand over his eyes in panic. "And Max just ditched us too. You were right...he DID sail off." Matthew scoffed. "I knew it was going to happen. I TOLD you." "Okay, alright. Don''t rub it in my face!" Matthew laughed in a panic. "So now what? We''re stranded....and your father is going to SHRED our asses!" Zack sighed. "I don''t know...I hope not." Anger surged through his veins about Max...but it WAS expected...and they guessed right. Damn I was a fucking fool! Chapter 8: A Shot In The Dark Max finally reached the cargo ship as night approached. He tied up the little boat and looked at the large ship. Could this be it? Noticing no one was around, he snuck onto the ship, but there wasn''t anything left. And the loading dock was empty. Shit! He decided to knock on every door and asked what the boat was hauling, and where the cargo went. Suddenly, an old woman, who sat outside her home, called out to him. "My dear, wat is it you''re after?" She asked kindly. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Max retold the lie he gave to the bartender and customer. The old woman looked down . "Oh my dear, that''s rough. I could help, but I don''t have anything THAT valuable in my home. How long have you traveled?" "Four hours." Max answered. "Mmm, I see. Here - " she stood up from her chair and opened the door for him. "Come inside, you must be starved." Surprised by the offer, Max walked in with her. She gave him a nice bowl of stew with a bread roll on the side. She then offered some wine. "My culture loves wine. Would you like some?" Suddenly, Zack''s voice invaded his space, reminding him about his drinking habits. Shamefully, Max shook his head. "Ill pass, I''m trying to quit." Thinking of the necklace brought a sudden question in his mind. He leaned in. "Do you have any clue if its location?" "There''s a man that sells jewelry to the local market..." Chapter 8: A Shot In The Dark Max nodded. "When will the market be open?" The lady chuckled to herself. "No need to worry, I know the man by heart. I''ll take you to him." Max smiled wide. "Thanks!" "No problem. Now get some sleep, and I''ll take you straight to his house in the morning." Max was taken back. "You don''t know me, but youre letting me sleep here anyway?" "I see kindness in you eyes, child." Deep gratitude filled his heart. He finished the last of his supper and went upstairs to his bed. He suddenly stopped, and looked down at her. "How can I repay you?" "Just be a good lad for the world, is all I ask." Max chuckled to himself. "I will." .......................... The next morning, Zack and Matthew got up and went down to get a meal. The curly haired boy sighed. "So now what?" He mumbled. Zack tsked. "I don''t know really, the only thing we CAN do is wait for Ben''s ship." "But Max could''ve met him at Venice!" If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Zack sighed. "So we''re stranded here." Matthew nodded. "Yep." When the boys finished their breakfast, they decided to wander the town. Before they walked out the door, the bartender called out for Zack. "Hey, you boy! Come!" He ordered. Zack held his breath as he and Matthew walked toward him. The man set his tankard on the counter. "It seems you weren''t too happy about your friend going after the necklace by himself. Why is that? Were you guys meant to do it together?" Zack couldn''t believe what he was hearing, he turned to look at a blank face Matthew. Then the blond turned back to the bartender, and decided to play along. "Yes. He IS supposed to be with us, he gets impatient like that. I thought he was better than that!" The man nodded in agreement. "Ah yes, I understand." Matthew looked at Zack with confusion. The man turned around and began to clean up. Without looking back at them, he said, "Let me know if you boys need anything in the future." Zack then began to ask. "What about a boat? We need to go after him." He looked to see if Matthew would say no, but surprisingly, he DIDN''T! The man scratched the back of his neck. "I''m sorry, but I don''t own a boat or a ship." "Well I do!" A voice was heard from behind the boys. They whispered around to see Ben standing behind them. Matthew laughed in relief. "You''re Ben? Oh thank God! Your brother caused a lot of trouble!" "Matthew!" Zack exclaimed. "No, no, he''s fine." Ben told him. "I know he does, what did he do THIS time?" He asked Matthew. The boys explained their story to him. Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. "I''m sorry he''s been that way. I thought this trip would be good for him...that''s why he does these errands with me." Zack nodded. "He told us about your father." Ben sighed again. "He had it rough. Anyway, you guys need to go home? I''ll take you, but I''ll need my brother first....where did he go?" Matthew then said it like he can hardly believe it. "He traveled to Venice to get my chain back." Ben was surprised. "Wait...are you serious?" Matthew shrugged. "I GUESS."