Chapter 3: Bounty

“Leave all behind but your determination, faith, and purpose. Watch how far you go.”

- (Excerpt from “The Way of Life”) Author Unknown

Octavius escorted me inside the pitch black windowless building.

Contrary to what you might expect from the outside, the inside was flawless, like the inside of a grand museum yet eerily empty. Marble flooring and sleek white walls encompassed me from every direction. Where were we headed? I wondered. I knew I’d find out the answer sooner than later.

Up ahead of Octavius and I lay a pitch black elevator, cause why not right? The Watchers liked to stick with the whole eerie, creepy, if you enter you may see things you’ll never recover from, vibe.

The elevator shifted open, showcasing a large 10x10 space with nothing but a light hanging from the ceiling and one-way mirrors covering everything else inside.

I noticed the lack of buttons or floor levels listed, but didn’t say anything.

“This is as far as I go”. The tan-skinned man softly said.

Immediately, he began walking away before I could even utter a sentence to stop him. Huh, guess I was going into this alone. I didn’t really expect for him to come with me but you couldn’t blame a girl for hoping so.

The elevator doors closed and with it came the silence and fear, flooding my senses like a tsunami. This was unfamiliar territory for me. I started humming to calm my nerves, at first to no avail.

After a minute or two went by, I began to find my bearings. Slowing down and controlling my breathing and humming to a point I was able to bring myself to a calm state of mind. Once again beginning to inspect the one-way mirrors until suddenly the elevator dropped multiple floors it seemed and with it went my stomach.

“Ohhh”. I groaned whilst holding my stomach.

It honestly seemed like today just wasn't my day. I genuinely cursed my ever getting out of bed and wished I’d stayed in my room. I wouldn’t have to deal with any of this shit. I wouldn’t even be here if not for that stupidly terrifying kid. I mean, what are the fucking chances that I, Julia Sinclair, out of all the watchers in the Third Zone, would be the one to witness the murder of a Collector? It’d been almost a decade since the last Collector had perished in battle.

Regardless, the elevator shuttered open to reveal an ominous hallway lit only by the countless braziers lined up from the elevator to the grand door awaiting me on the other side. Recollecting myself one final time I stood up and began walking towards the entrance, mind focused on my destination.

Reaching the entrance, right before I could place a hand to push it, the doorway began to open slowly on its own, as if my presence was acknowledged and the reason for all this could commence.

“Finally!” I heard a strange voice let out. As for whom it belonged to I couldn’t yet tell.

The large room was very dimly lit, making it hard to see just exactly who was inside.

“You don’t understand how long I’ve been waiting since we received your report, young lady.” The voice said.

A figure was now becoming a bit more visible for me to see, almost reaching a point where an outline of the man that sat across from me on a wooden chair could be seen. His features and even skin color was unidentifiable still, yet it was enough to leave an impression.

“News of the executed member has brought plenty of ire to The Collectors, I’ve received multiple inquiries from large players trying to gain more and more information. Bringing me to you, Dear Julia.” The figure said

The way he spoke was even ambiguous, constantly changing tones and pronunciation, like he was swapping between dialects.

The figure must’ve seen the pretty strange look on my face, As he chuckled before beginning again.

“My apologies, young Julia, I understand this must all come as a shock to you. My identity is typically kept in secrecy, so for now you will not learn just who exactly you’re speaking with. Although, I will say that I do have high hopes for you after reading your file, a potential Title Recipient, and surviving member of the late Sinclair clan at that? Impressive resume overall.” I could only assume, but something in me could tell the man was smiling as he went over my background.

My best bet as of right now was to play it safe, go along with the flow and see where it takes me. Deep inside however, I knew. Any sort of ‘misstep’ in our conversation and the consequences would be dire.

“I understand you must keep your identity secret.” I told the man. “However, would it be possible to give me a name that I could address you as?”

My first plan of action was to get more information as to who I was dealing with, only then could I formulate a plan.

“Very well, young Julia.” The figure said, speech solidifying to a point where I could catch nuances almost every time now. It was that same tone that sounded like a smirk was being held back.

“You may address me as Lord Watcher.”

Instantly I felt a surge of blood go through my body.

It was then I realized just who exactly I was at the mercy of.

The surprise and alarm I felt blanketed my face.

I tried to hide it as best as I could but I mean, human instinct, right?

He saw it, I know he did.

“He Who Sees”, was what the man addressing himself as “Lord Watcher” was called by others. A man that knew the secrets and mysteries of all in his purview, one of the infamously top ranked Title Holders in all of Manesha.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The man cackled.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“You should’ve seen your face, young Julia. Ah, no matter how many years go by. The pleasures of witnessing the panic and terror in others remain the same.” The figure smilingly exclaimed.

The tone of his laugh and even his overt giddiness did nothing to ease the feeling in my stomach. Only agitating it more and more.

“Enough with the games though, young lady.” The man gestured for me to come closer

“Come, let me see it all.” He spoke.

I tried to resist but there was no point. My body just gave in and listened despite my efforts. Instantly my mind went back to the scene I’d witnessed. Almost like I’d been transported to that specific memory.

“Magnificent!” the man with many names said aloud.

Had he just?- You’ve got to be kidding me. He can search memories? What kind of Title even allows that? I mean yeah, I’ve heard of the ones that can let you bypass what your body’s able to do regularly, but a Title that directly allows you to search another's mind? Two words - Cheat Code.

“So it really was just a teenage boy! Oh, Kremlus will be fuming!” The figure began to get giddier and giddier, like what he saw delighted him like no other.

“That’s it!” the man shouted, as if he’d come to a decision. “I’ve got to learn more about this boy!”

“Reina!” The man barked.

Like she was there the entire time, a petite woman appeared, dressed in pitch black robes with a red shawlcovering her mouth, long perfectly styled dreadlocks hung from her head, styled in a fashionable ponytail, accentuating the woman’s youth.

“Yes, My Lord? Reina sanguinely replied.

“Spread the word! One Ton worth of Palladium for the boy, but I want him coherent enough to answer questions.” The still obscure figure ordered.

One Ton? Holy shit those top rankers had capital. That was enough to purchase a small city.

Palladium was a precious metal that was used in crafting special war machines used by several governments all over, It had properties nothing else on Manesha contained. As a result of its rarity it was a heavily coveted material by hegemons and powerful individuals alike.

“By your will, My Lord.” The woman known as Reina softly said before vanishing.

The figures' attention stayed on me the entire time. Almost daring me to make a move.

“Ah, young Julia.” The man slyly said. “Thank you very much for your cooperation, it was most helpful.” The prick let out.

“Any other information you’re able to gather up, feel free to inform me during our next meeting.” He said laxly.

I bit my tongue to not say anything that could potentially get me executed on the spot.

“Dismissed.” He spoke, and the man gestured for me to get out.

Just like that, I ended up where I am now, in the elevator, staring blankly at those same one-way mirrors trying to collect myself. Humming and humming, searching for solace within my mind. This time, my brain kicked into overdrive trying to dissect just how exactly I ended up back in the elevator. I never turned around or exited the Rankers lair. After a wave of his hand I just… appeared inside.

I sat there humming and humming for much longer than necessary, until eventually the elevator rumbled, lifting itself off the platform and into the air.

✧

News spread of Sheldon's death like wildfire. I wouldn’t have had too much of a problem with that if it didn’t lead to a fucking bounty getting placed on my head. Luckily enough the sketch provided wasn’t the most accurate, but there were only so many skinny teenage boys with different colored eyes in the Third Zone, so it wouldn’t be long before I’d be discovered. The frustrating part was everyone would be looking to get a hold of me. A ton of Palladium wasn’t a small price by any means, I’d have enemies I’ve never heard of on my trail now.

Back in Kingsley, I had made a choice by fighting Keller & Sheldon. I was done sitting back and seeing the Third Zone, no- Manesha slowly but surely turned to shit. Slavery, kidnappings, unjust politicians, abuse of power was everywhere. There were just too many inhabitants whose existence simply held no purpose in my eyes.

Down on my luck, with nowhere to go or call home. What was there for me to do? I had no friends, no family, no one. Just a last name that held not even 1/100 of the former glory it held once before, along with a knack for erasing my opposition.

I’d been taught by my grandfather that in times of dire need, when the answer wasn’t clear but so desperately sought after, it was important to visualize your goal.

Walking along the cobblestone path, I entered a large dome shaped building. Absolute silence greeted me as I entered, almost like everything was still.

“Welcome to the First Library of Manesha!” a bronze skinned woman greeted me, much louder than necessary I felt.

A grand Library it was, with floating braziers expertly placed around to give just the right amount of light to every area.

The First Library of Manesha was empty upon my arrival. Unhurriedly I greeted the bronze skinned woman and sat down at an empty chair and table in a corner, attempting to gather my thoughts.

As I sat there I pondered silently, yet longingly. “What am I searching for?” I questioned.

Unfortunately, the answer did not present itself immediately.

So I sat, and thought, for what felt like hours.

In actuality, only half an hour went by, but that was more than enough time for them to find me it seemed.

Two individuals approached, a man and a woman.

The woman, dressed in fancy, almost royal court attire, curvaceous as she was, her beauty made everything else about her obsolete. While I normally wasn’t one to drool over a pretty lady so easily. I couldn’t deny the feeling the woman naturally gave off. I caught myself staring and quickly shifted my eyes to the other member of the pair a little too quickly, hoping afterwards it went unnoticed.

In the corner of my eye I saw the barest of smirks appear on her face.

Now, the man was strange. Dressed in all black, he wore a short sleeve shirt with a pitch black trench coat hanging from his shoulders, revealing his arms. Upon closer inspection a rose-vine tattoo could be seen starting from the crown on the back of his palm, wrapping all around his forearm and bicep up to his neck. What striked me as strange wasn’t just the tattoo, I’d happened to see some strange tattoos all around, but never one so life-like. The vines were almost moving slowly throughout the arm. Even the crown appeared to be glowing lightly.

Messy curls covered the man's forehead, and upon a second look the man looked more like a boy or a teenager, just like me. Although, the scar above his left eyebrow was a dead giveaway that the boy was more than what he seemed to be.

With calculated elegance in their movements the pair each approached me and pulled up chairs at the round table.

I waited until they were completely seated before speaking.

“Gee! You bounty hunters sure work quick!” I exclaimed with a smile that looked a bit more hostile than I intended.

The male let out a muffled noise that vaguely resembled a laugh.

To my delight, the first retort to grace my ears came from his pleasant-to-look-at female counterpart.

“Listen, you fucking imbecile.” She sprayed with disgust. “There is not a bounty on this planet that would incentivize me to take a meaningless life like yours.”

I totally could’ve killed her for that. My intuition told me it wouldn’t be easy, especially with her plus one waiting around, but then again I have a penchant for accomplishing the impossible.

“Blah Blah Blah, let’s cut to the chase.” I snarled

I stood up from my seat & prepared to launch myself at the woman. In my mind, the time it took for me to make my decision - to the time it took for implementation of the action, couldn’t have been more than half a millisecond in between.

So you can understand why I’d be freaking out to find myself back in my seat with the added effect of being unable to move any of my limbs or part of my body for that matter.

“Don’t even try it, I’m being friendly right now so your body is just numb, not pain-ridden.” she explained.

“Oh, and you won’t need to be awake for this.”

CHAPTER 3 - END.