"There was a new face today madam, at the repair shop." The teen boy fidgeted on the hard stool. He had been doing this job since he was nine, and at fifteen still had t figured out why this woman paid him to tell her what went on every morning at the Albotross' Phoenix Plaza.
Most days were just saying who did what part, or noticing new faces. But she had made it clear that if he felt something was wrong, to mention the repair shop that sat on the western side. In six years, he had never mentioned it.
"Describe the new one."
"She is one of the bots." He replied.
"So they have finally found her." The woman said to him. He didn't know what to make of the comment. Only that it now confirmed the one thing he had figured al this time: he was watching someone for her. He just didn't know who.
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I walked up to the door and knocked. In a few seconds the door was opened by a middle aged woman, she looked up at me, obviously surprised at my size.
"I have something for Raina." I said to her, my voice still shaking.
The woman looked hard at me, her stern features were more chiseled, now that I had mentioned the girl.
"I know that you have been dying her hair, I know that you have prohibited the telling of her possible heritage, and I know you won't deny me to see her. So drop the act little January." Using a name she hasn't heard in a long time got her to look at me again.
"Who are you, and how do you know that name?" She asked while directing me to enter the building and go into her office. I waited until she sat down to answer, knowing she would stand up again.
"I am Kiel Ramthun. But you only know me by my title. I'm Watcher Kiel." At that she stood back up. As expected. What I didn't expect were the next few words out of her mouth, a question rather than the order I expected.
"Do you know who her parents are!? We've been looking for the since she was left here." She looked at me for a second, then gave the order I expected. "Alyssa, you're needed in here now."
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The platinum android came entered the room, looked at my chains and then greeted me officially.
"This one, Alyssa Sierra, greets Watcher Kiel Ramthun, Oathbound."
I nodded to her. "I need to see Raina there are things left in my charge that belong to her."
"Does this violate any of your oaths, Watcher?" The android asked.
"No. In fact, I have several artifacts at my home that are to be given away once certain conditions are met. Part of non-interference is also keeping other entities from doing the same. We have about two hours before I have to give these items to her. But the sooner the better. As explaining these to her will take time, and I'd rather use it." I looked at both of them for a second, let out a sigh. "She has been found." That worked.
A few seconds later the six year old girl with emerald eyes came in being led by Alyssa.
"Raina, this is Watcher Kiel. He has some things to give you, and needs to tell you something. Okay?"
"Hello, Mr. Watcher." I took the red book out of my vest, and handed it to her, then held the ebony case level in both hands.
"Raina, in a few hours you will undergo one of the most painful things in your life. That book will tell you the story of two of your ancestors that also went through it. This case holds the weapon used by your kind. I now pass it to you."
The girl took the case and set it on the desk, slit it open and touched the staff inside. The black Miasma that shrouded the staff flowed into the girl's arm. It was now bound.
"We have a trip to make, January, say goodbye to your charges."
"For someone who isn't supposed to meddle, you are doing a lot of it." She said to me.
No Watcher has ever taken an oath not to meddle, after all, it's our job to keep others from doing that. Besides, I have an oath to Tabitha I have to honor."