As the sun began to set in early 1995, the smog-filled atmosphere in the Marseille banlieues hung heavy with the scent of saltwater, diesel fumes, and rotting fish from the docklands. This twilight air brought a living quality to the maze of crumbling concrete buildings that made up the city's slum areas – a gray monolith that consumed dreams.
Leon Aschemist, seven years old and sweaty from playin g soccer in the makeshift alleyway pitch, was oblivious to the stench. All that mattered to him was the repetitive thudding of the scuffed leather ball against his shin. His bright blue eyes remained fixed on his older brother, who played with a fluidity unbecoming of such a bleak environment. Like a ballet dancer, Adélard moved through the shadows with an effortless precision that drew admiring glances from some of the oldest residents.
"I'm trying!" Leon exclaimed, attempting to kick the ball. Adélard flipped it over Leon's head with a grin, catching it on his knee before it could hit the ground.
"Trying is fine, kid...on the docks. To survive there you need to know exactly where that ball will go before it even thinks about moving," Adélard replied firmly yet gently. He tousled Leon's messy blonde hair – a rare moment of levity amidst a day filled with hunger.
Leon's family lived on a knife-edge of survival. After their father had disappeared due to a 'dockside accident', Leon and Adélard became each other's only true anchor points. Their mother, Adélaïde, labored away in a dingy local pub, working multiple shifts per day. Her hands shook frequently and her eyes grew increasingly dark with every new shift she worked.
"Leon, let's call it a night," Adélard said glancing at the deepening bruise-purple hue in the evening sky. "We can't get home after dark. Mother told us."
Leon pouted. "Five more minutes? You know mom is usually running late..."
"No debate," Adélard declared firmly. A tension existed within his bones – a feeling he sensed about these streets.
At this point, both boys walked towards their 'safe haven' – a small basement apartment situated partially hidden under the sidewalk level. However, as they turned onto a well-familiar path, all was suddenly disrupted by a loud noise echoing in their wake...
A sound similar to metal sliding across concrete reverberated through the deserted alley.
Leon stopped dead in his tracks; his hand clamped tightly around Adélard's. From the shadows emerged two larger-than-life figures carrying steel bars. The dim glow of street lamps reflected off of them.
"You little thieves! Give back what you swiped!" One growled.
Leon's pulse pounded rapidly against his ribcage. He recalled how earlier during market hours Adélard had diverted attention away from a thug bothering a vendor while also returning a bundle of cash to its rightful owner. Although this act was one of quiet defiance, they had inadvertently attracted unwanted attention...
"Hold on tight — very tight," Adélard whispered quickly.
With lightning speed, Adélard scooped Leon up. The world blurred into a jumble of wet stone walls and jagged silhouettes as Adélard sprinted through alleys. Leon peeked through his eyelashes, watching the two angry men pursue them, their faces contorted with hate... Adélard breathed heavily and fast as he weaved through narrow pathways he knew well.
Only once they arrived near their final leg to their home did Adélard finally slow down. Until they reached solid earth again and heard nothing but darkness did he put Leon down. He stood panting.
"We lost them," Adélard mumbled softly as he rubbed Leon's shoulders. "You were very brave, Leon. I am so proud of you".
The words meant more to Leon than any fear. He threw himself at Adélard's chest, quivering... "I was terrified", he whispered.
"I know," Adélard mumbled softly, pulling his younger brother into an embracing hug. "But as long as I know you're safe, I'll never be afraid".
Down the steep stone stairs into their cramped basement apartment lay their home. The walls were permanently stained gray, and an overwhelming stench of mildew hung in the air. They expected to hear the familiar hum of their mother's stove or her exhausted sighs.
However, instead of hearing either of those sounds, they were greeted by complete silence – like a punch in the gut.
"Mother?" Adélard asked loudly.
No response came from their empty kitchen. No answer awaited them through the grimy, small windows.
Initially they assumed they were lucky – saved from having to deal with their mother's anger regarding them leaving so late...
"She's probably working extra today," Adélard lied weakly as he shifted some objects in the cramped space around the room in order to maintain an appearance of cleanliness despite their dire financial situation. "Maybe she picked up an additional job tonight. Try to get some rest, Leon. We'll see her tomorrow. Okay?"
Leon snuggled into his thin mattress; the room was cool and damp... He watched as Adélard stayed awake and gazed intensely at the closed door – silently protecting them from the darkness.
But, unfortunately for them, morning provided no solace.
It was Leon who woke first as the pale morning light seeped through their single small window. Next to him on the mattress lay only emptiness – cold – unbroken sheets.
"Brother...wake up!" Leon whispered urgently, tugging Adélard's shoulder. "Mom is not here! Mom is GONE!"
Adélard sprang erect instantly upon realizing the room was empty; all trace of his mother vanished.
"Stay right here," Adélard commanded sternly.
"No!" Leon screamed, grasping his brother's arm tightly. "Take me with you! Don't leave me alone please!"
Adélard relaxed slightly as he stroked Leon's head gently. "Fine then. Stay right next to me."
Together they stepped out into the chill morning air; two small beacons of light surrounded by countless shadows as they embarked on a journey into the depths of Marseille's underground crime syndicates.