Ekko had the right idea, I should be a teacher. After I worked out a deal with Silco, I returned to the bottom floor. The children are stationed at various machines. Silco used the master controls to shut the machines down. The kids still tried to work, as they knew nothing else at this point. They all range from the ages of 8 to 12, from appearance alone. With silence now looming over them, I replaced it. I stood on the conveyor belt and stepped on a piece of inferior equipment.
"You can stop what you're doing right now, it's worthless." I announced as Vander stood at the elevator door with his arms crossed. From the side of my eye, I can see the suppressed grin. What am I doing? This is not how I need things to go.
"I'm sure if you don't know who I am, you've definitely heard of me." I paused and waited for any of them to speak. As I searched their faces, I could only wonder if they were capable of speech.
"I'm your new boss, so to speak. From now on, you will look to me for direction." I eased myself down from my position. "These things here?" I picked up the incomplete chamber. "You can forget about it." Then threw it across from me. The kids hardly reacted at the noise that filled the room as the metal hit the floor. Their eyes are glued to me. Amusement filled their faces as I continued speaking. "I will teach you everything you need to know about the chamber. It will be difficult, but fun. You might even turn out to be better at it than me." I look around as I say that. There are more than a few faces that are struck by awe at the mention of that possibility. "Only if you pursue greatness with everything in your being. Anything less is." I inhaled. "Plainly unacceptable, but I'll give you credit for trying." I looked over at the chamber that I threw. "You all are finished for the day. AFTER, and only after, you clean up. I want to see you back here first thing in the morning for lessons."
I walked over to the incomplete chamber and picked it up. As I turned around, I saw Vander walking towards me with a wide grin on his face. As he approaches me, I look over the chamber to see the same errors that Powder and Ekko made. Could they have possibly tried to teach them how to make the chamber behind my back? Did they cut a deal with Silco without me? Or are these common errors when making the chamber? I have to investigate this privately, carefully.
"That was inspiring." Vander pulled me out of my plotting.
"Should have just left, shouldn't have done that." I confessed as I rotate the chamber in my hands.
"Let's get moving, we'll talk on the way," he offered as he used his meaty hand to push me along with him.
As we made our way towards the doors, I straightened my spine and held my head up. If I'm going to be a man, I might as well walk like one. Vander pushed the door open, and the smog filled our lungs once more. Silco's guards and informants gave us a wide enough space to pass. If I am to come back tomorrow, I have to make it clear that I am in charge. And the only way to guarantee authority is a show of force. Zaun is still Zaun, after all. Judging by their faces and their body language, they need a show of strength from me. If I am to lead the next generation, I have to be better than both Vander and Silco. To achieve such a feat seems nearly impossible.
"You'll have your chance, don't you worry." Vander promised as we made our way down the dirt street. While we were negotiating, this street has ticked up in activity, I can feel it. People are moving with energy and purpose that are growing by the minute.
"You're starting to notice too, huh?" Vander pointed out. "You are more important than you think."
"That can't be real." I shook my head. "It's because of you, everybody looks up to you. Mostly because they can't help it."
He chuckled. "After the stunt you pulled, no one can forget your face."
No one can forget. I don't know if he meant it, but that statement is a double-edged blade. I've been cut by it a few times, and so has my family. Because of my actions, I've amassed a mixed reputation in Zaun. One in which I undoubtedly will reap all that I am owed.
"Did you mean to sound ominous?" I asked as I kept my eyes open for crows.
We reached the Last Drop, but Vander stopped before the doors.
"Unfortunately, I did." He turns around. "Your mentor, have you heard from him recently?"
I shook my head. "He has never shown much interest in writing letters."
Vander scoffed as he opened the doors to the bar. "Have a seat."
He directed me to a booth. As I sat down, I looked up at him as he took his time, contemplating his words. Finally, he sat across from me, exhaling a powerful gust of air from his nose.
"Your professor Hal, he's dead." Vander disclosed as carefully as he could.
Well, that didn't make sense. Hal can't die. He isn't immortal or anything, but he gave the impression that he's outsmarted death before. His black eyes told as much. But he's dead, apparently. The Yordle who has shown me the universe is dead. My eyes fell from Vander's as I tried to focus on my intent to purge the darkness from Hal's soul. I failed again. Just when I thought I had more time, I failed someone who needed help. Hal lost his sanity, his soul, to an unfathomable darkness, and I failed him.
"Owen." Vander brought me back.
"He was more than just a professor." I disclosed as I leaned back and pressed my eyes shut.
"Didn't know he meant that much to you," he consoled.
My eyes shot wide open. "Oh no, Hal was a psychopath, but he needed help."
Vander nodded. "Like you."
I smiled. "See? You get me."
Vander chuckled as he shook his head. "Don't know if I should be worried for you or not."
"Hey." I raised my hands. "I trust your instincts."
"Hmm, the counsel wants to speak with you about that," he revealed. Well, that killed the mood.
"Uh oh, am I in trouble?" I asked with a mock grin on my face. My heart is pounding against my ribcage at the mention of the council.
"You shouldn't be, unless you have something to hide." Vander insinuated with a raised brow. Of course I have plenty to hide. Most of which I can't explain, no matter how hard I try to understand it myself. "Since you most likely do," he leans back and laces his fingers. "I propose that you do what you do best."
"I plan on it." I agreed as I wiped my face.
"Get some rest. Afterwards, we might as well get this out of the way," he suggests.
"What? We can show up, just like that?" I asked, as I'm sure the council has plenty of things to handle in Piltover alone.
"Meeting you today is their top priority. Also, Sevika is one of us, she'll look after you," he promised as he stood up.
"You mean the giant with the mean face? That's good to know." I commented as I slid off the booth.
"She isn't mean at all, once you get to know her. She just loves Zaun, like you," he added as he walked behind the counter.
"I'll keep that in mind." I mumbled as I descended down the steps. When I reached the bottom, I took in the environment. It smells like the musk of kids who never learned how to sit still for more than 20 seconds. I had to stack boxes on top of each other to crack the windows. I stared longingly at the boxing ring. I never would have imagined that I would miss that thing. Walking towards the rooms with the bunk beds, I look over each one of them. Claggor's bed still needs to be reinforced. Powder's scraps are evident, as I can imagine Mylo stepping on them with his bare feet and whining about it. If Zaun is going to be built the way I envision, I can't call this place home as I used to. The thought of that sacrifice formed a lump in my throat. Making my way back to my bed, I can see all of their clothes stacked hastily on top of each other.
"They're not going to be happy with me." I said with a half-hearted smile on my face.
As I lay down, I allowed my mind to wander freely. Is it all worth it? I want it all. I want to celebrate raising Zaun from the dirt with my family. It's what I want, isn't it? If it comes down to it, could I sacrifice my family to bring Zaun to a level beyond Piltover? The thought of doing so feels isolating. They'll fight to keep me, just as they fought to adopt me.
"That'll be a party." I mouthed as I finally closed my eyes. However, before I drift off to sleep, I am reminded of my failure. I had every intention of bringing Hal out of his darkness. But due to the shenanigans they put me through and my own need to live my life, well, things got complicated. Could I have made time if I had tried? I had two days, those two days gave me all the time I needed to save Hal. I could have done it, I know I could have. I took a deep breath, and my eyes grew irritated.
...goes in there, right?" That is Vi's voice. My eyes shot open as I saw her and Powder sharing a notebook, sitting against my bed.
"Yeah, but first you have to use the paste. If you don't—" Powder began to explain.
"Yeah, it'll heat up and will cause problems without it." Vi interrupted as she ran her fingers over the parts illustrated on the pages.
I wipe my eyes as I sit up. The boys are in the back, lifting weights. Claggor is teaching Ekko how to use dumbbells. It has to be noon. The thought of explaining myself to any of them became the new monster for me to fear. Vi has made it plain and clear: she will beat the truth out of me or die trying. Powder has her explosive formula, even though she won't tell me how she managed to find it. Her next bomb will be real. I don't want to think about what the other three will do if they detect me hiding anything from them. What am I going to do? My shadow tipped me off.
"About time you woke up." Vi turned around and beamed her teeth at me. I tried to return it, but I can tell that she saw through it. Powder turned only halfway towards me. At least I can see one of her eyes. Is she afraid of me?
"I've been pretty busy today." I began, telling them it has to be done as quickly as possible.
"I knew you were up to something." Powder finally turned towards me, but with a face full of worry. "I thought we were doing this together?"
"We are all in this together, that hasn't changed. The counsel wants to see me." I disclosed as I shift my eyes between them and the guys in the corner. I'd rather be over there, honestly.
"The counsel? What do they want?" Vi raised her voice loud enough to make the guys in the corner notice.
"They want a piece of our power." I answered as I placed my feet on the floor.
"But that's ours, they can't have it!" Powder claimed with a surprising amount of anger.
"And they won't." I promised as I placed a hand on Powder's shoulder.
"So you're just going to tell them no?" Vi asked as if it couldn't be that simple.
I rest my elbows on my knees. "Exactly, and they're just going to have to deal with that."
Vi ran her hand through her hair. "I'm coming with you."
"Daddy Vander might not like that." I said as I popped my finger.
"Please don't call him Daddy." Vi begged as she recoiled in disgust.
"Why? Ain't he my daddy?" I asked with mock offense.
Powder didn't anticipate my reaction. She covered her mouth to stop whatever might fly out.
"Because." Vi began to explain while laughing. "It's weird."
"It ain't weird having a daddy." I proudly stated as I stood to my feet.
"Oh." She stood also. "You know what I mean."
I didn't answer, just gazed into her eyes.
"You're going to do just fine, I trust you," she claimed as she pulled me into a hug. She trusts me. Way to pile on the pressure, Vi.
As we released each other, Powder stood to her feet. Our eyes met as silence grew between us. I reached my arms out, and she hesitated in disbelief before falling into me. Her hug is tight and heartfelt. The longer she held me, the angrier I felt, but no one here can know that. That anger will be used as fuel to march towards Piltover.
"Sevika will vouch for me." That comment shook Powder as she slowly released me. The look on her face suggested that I should have said something different instead of being so formal. "It won't be much of a negotiation. Either they help us, or they stay out of our way."
"That's more like it." Vi softly punched my shoulder.
"When I get back, we need to go over blueprints to make more chambers. Correctly this time." I explained as I shifted my gaze between the two sisters.
"Yeah, yeah." Vi waved her hand dismissively.
Powder nodded her head. "Okay." She's not enjoying this at all, and neither am I. But I can't regret my past unless I want to repeat it. It's for our own good.
"See you two later." As I walked by them, I felt someone's hands pat my back. It was so gentle, it could have been either one of them. When I reached the top, Vander was waiting there for me, alone with Silco. Just me opening the basement door was enough to postpone their conversation.
"Ready when you are...partner." Silco said as he tightened his collar.
"Can already tell this is going to be fun." I speculated as I approached them.
"Me coming along would have been a show of force, not peace." Vander decided as he placed papers on the table booth.
"Good call." I replied, then I turned towards Silco. "Ready, partner?"
A grin flashed across his face before he gave one final look at his good friend and then walked out the door.
"Is he always this cheery?" I asked as I began to walk after him.
"You'll see for yourself." Vander replied as he turned towards his papers.
During the time I've known Silco, I didn't go out of my way to know the guy. I've forgiven him for being a cold-hearted snake, but I will never forget how dangerous he can be. As we walked together towards the bridge, I couldn't help but notice the shift in people. Instead of walking with confidence, most are keeping a healthy distance from him, as if he'll strike out at any moment.
"I'll tell you this, Owen." Silco spoke with certainty. "Although I may do things differently now. They will never forget what I've done to achieve my power."
He is correct on that assessment, no one will forget him. When he's gone, I'm willing to bet that no one will mourn him. Vander, maybe.
"I'll find a different way." I promised.
"Oh, really? You've done a fine job so far," he reminded me.
If Zaun's prosperity wasn't on the line, I would have climbed on his face and slit his throat. However, he isn't completely worthless in close combat. He has a knife on him somewhere. Best if I don't start trying to break down where he could have possibly held it. Doing so will start a momentum that will gain traction, the more I think about it.
"I've changed." I claimed as we reached the bridge. The Enforcers tightened their grips on their firearms the moment they saw us. The ones who were ignorant of our presence are slapped to attention.
"So have I. With you abandoning your childish ways, you've assumed a role in Zaun." Silco pivoted in front of me with a quickness that was so smooth, it looked unnatural. I couldn't react to his sudden change in position as I would have liked. His hand stunned me, as I wasn't prepared to be stopped by his one scrawny hand. Kneeling down to my level, he began to straighten out my clothes as best as he could.
"You are a man now, your actions have proven that. Congratulations, you will be treated like one." Despite the close-up of his repulsive eye, he seems genuine with everything he said.
"Presentation is key to commanding authority. Unfortunately, we don't have time to fit you with a suit, but I'll look into that." He promised as he stood to his feet and began walking towards the counsel tower.
The closer we approached the tower, the thicker and more colorful the crowd became. Apprentices followed their mentors like a fly on a cat's butt, with scrolls and papers in their arms. Merchants and investors carried a disturbing amount of coins on them, I was tempted to bump into them. The nobles are easy to spot in the crowds. If they don't wear ridiculous clothing, then they install ridiculous metal on their faces. The concept of metal replacing flesh makes no sense to me. Entire limbs and organs, maybe, but just a piece of flesh? Does appearing perfect mean that much to them?
It was a chore getting there. I've been quiet this entire time, but the pain is getting a bit too intense for me to bear. They better have a chair for me to sit in. When we arrived at the tower, I was beyond devastated at the horrific news. The damn counsel room is at the very top of the tower. Their arrogance is so supreme that it has to nearly touch the sky. If this world has any semblance of justice, a hero will arrive to bring this tower down to its knees. When we arrived at the first set of stairs, I destroyed my reservations about asking Silco for help.
"Silco—" I started.
"Don't. Even. Think about it," he warned as he ascended.
"If you want a less annoying Owen, you WILL help me." I warned in return.
"Is this your power move?" he asked as he enjoyed looking down on me.
"You bet your pale ass it is." I replied with a grin.
He didn't bother to help me as he started ascending up the stairs again. Okay, Silco, I warned you.
"PLEASE, DADDY! DON'T LEAVE ME!" I whine as I collapse on the stairs.
The politicians, merchants, professors, and apprentices are perturbed at my performance. It was believable enough for their gaze to fall on Silco. He may be a feared and respected businessman, but even he can't survive being seen as blatantly cruel in front of people.
Silco's face snapped at me in irritation.
"What are you doing!?" He hissed as his hand tightened on the rails.
"Being a man of my word." I replied as I gave him a wild smile. "I'M SORRY, DADDY, I'LL BEHAVE, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE—"
He descends down and hoisted me up in his arms.
"E Me. Thank you, partner, let's go." I calmly ordered.
Silco grumbled all the way to the top.
"You should work out more." I suggested as he caringly dropped me to the floor as soon as we reached the top. Thankfully, I recovered enough to fall like a cat, on all fours. "You shouldn't be this winded at your age."
That's when he grabbed me by the throat, I wasn't too thankful for that. He was exhausted but had enough energy in him to make me worry. The pressure of his grip increased as he lifts me off the floor.
"You insufferable child!" he hissed as he fought to contain his anger.
"History...repeats…eh?" I strained as realization relaxed his grip and dampened his temper. He squinted his eyes as I'm sure the past played out in front of him. The future also came ringing, as he realized that he can't obtain the Zaun he wants without the mastermind behind it. Finally, he released me, lowering me to the floor. As his hands reached his sides, he struggled to reclaim his composure.
"At least the blood's flowing again, that's the bright side." I commented as I rubbed my neck.
"I will do the talking." He jabbed his finger at me. "You will stand by my side and hold your tongue."
"Sorry to crash your power grab, but they want to see me, remember?" I reminded him, keeping an eye on his eye.
"They want to bargain. For the sake of Zaun." He ran his hand over his hair, smoothing it out by muscle memory. "You will allow me to work out matters of trade, understand?"
I sighed. "Fine, I'll let you talk the adult talk."
Silco scoffed as he turned towards the tall, fancy-looking door. "You'll let me."
He continued to grumble until he reached the door. As his hands touched the door, his professional composure resurfaced as he pushed the doors open. What greeted us was a circle of important-looking people, whose conversation ceased as we entered. The closer we walked to the center of the crescent-like circle, the more apparent it was that silence has authority here. A long table separated us from the Pilties. A Yordle in a blue suit sits with only his head peering over the table. A young, pretty woman, whose face is ruined with gold, sits up straight like a robot. A bald man with a full beard, in a red suit, is fidgeting with a toy. In a place like this, even I can find it in me to leave my toys at home. To my fascination, I think this is the only time I have ever seen a robot. But the longer I look at him, the more disappointed I am. If I had the choice, I would lean more towards a bulky frame than being built like a broom. Last but not least is Sevika. She has horrible posture, preferring to rest on her elbows on her knees as opposed to sitting up straight. Silco decided to keep his eyes straight. Maybe it's to alleviate pressure from Sevika, as supporting us is an expected move. The rest don't matter, because they're too boring to commit to memory.
"Before we begin, Silco," a voice that tried to sound somewhat authoritative spoke up. "You know we have procedures to follow before you entered the counsel room."
"My dearest apologies." Silco couldn't help but inject insincerity into his apology.
The Yordle cleared his throat. "We initially requested the presence of the young Owen, Mr. Silco."
"I understand, Heimerdinger. However, the thought of sending Owen." He laid his hand somewhat roughly on my head, in retaliation, I laid my head against his thigh affectionately. "Out on his own is something that I just couldn't condone, I'm sure you all understand my position."
Some of the council people mutter amongst themselves in agreement.
"May we speak with young Owen?" the young lady with the golden tattoos asked politely. If I wanted to be paranoid about it, I could guess that politeness can only go so far. I look up at Silco, half as an act to appear as innocent as possible, while the other half is that I don't know what I'm walking into. All he did was nudge me forward by my head. I took a step forward while Silco must have taken a step back. A light shined from above me, making the entire room appear darker than it should be. The sudden change in atmosphere annoyed me more than startled me.
"Don't worry, we just want to ask a few questions." Her sweet voice ranged over me and off the walls. It's all a tool to expose my weaknesses, don't let them get what they want. If they want a show of weakness, then they'll get one.
"Okay." I replied as I scratched the back of my hand. I kept my eyes shifting to the chairs that reach above us all, as the council people are beginning to disappear from view.
"You are quite the student, Owen." Heimerdinger stated. Shit, I know what he's going to ask next.
"Thank you." I replied while trying to resist crumbling against their strategic position of power. I'm starting to understand what is happening here. I'm surrounded. They're using this formation and the lights above to pressure answers from anyone they please, sick bastards.
"Unfortunately, your professors have been dabbling in a forbidden art. You do know what that is, right?" the Yordle asks with an ever-deepening tone.
"Stargazing?" I answered while trying to maintain my plan.
The counsel people began to giggle, but it ceased as Heimerdinger began pressing harder.
"Sorry, but no. It was magic, Owen. I'm sure you were briefed on how magic is forbidden in both Piltover and...Zaun." He reminds me. The mention of magic ignites sweat from my body.
"But I'm not a mage." I truthfully confessed. I couldn't see it clearly, but their disposition shifted. I think I got them.
"I'm sorry, but is this true? Are you certain?" That voice sounds rather metallic.
"I would have been known for flying on brooms if I were." I jest, hopefully this will ease the mood. But as silence fills the room, I'm convinced that it didn't.
"You are aware of the death of your mentor, Professor Hal." A strong and sharp feminine voice hit me like a bullet. The mention of my former mentor's name, spoken in such a manner, struck a raw nerve.
"Young, Owen?" A different voice calls out to me, but I can't answer. I don't want to do anything stupid, not now. All I can do is nod my head. A hand fell on my shoulder, I didn't even hear his footsteps. All he did was hold his hand on me. I met his hand with mine, giving him the sign that I'm fine. His hand slipped from my shoulder, and I am left to face the counsel alone again.
"Apologies for my forwardness on the matter. It must have been devastating for you to have found out in this manner." The blunt feminine voice spoke without much remorse.
"Still in mourning, actually." I choked out, I didn't think I would care this much for a psychopath.
I heard her clear her throat.
"I apologize for your loss. Hal and I." Heimerdinger seems to struggle to explain himself. "We never saw eye to eye on our caution around the arcane. Once again, we are shown the errors in meddling in magic." He took a deep breath. "Which brings us to your incident in Zaun."
And there it is.
"You've...recovered somewhat from the incident, that's good." A new voice spoke up. Before he did, something touched the table in front of him, it was faint, but I heard it.
"Haven't had the chance to see this thing called a mirror to find out." I retorted, and I rubbed my hands together.
I heard nothing else from them as their silhouettes began to fluctuate against the light.
"The act that you committed in Zaun is one that this city was built to avoid." Heimerdinger stressed with urgency in his voice. This must be his sore subject. "Do you have anything to say about your actions that nearly got you killed?"
My neck hurts from acting scared, so I straightened my back and cracked my neck. I'm sure they saw through my act as I saw through theirs. No more games.
"What I did was a plan of desperation. I used what Hal and his cult of psychopaths studied to bring Zaun the power that it needs to survive." I started with sweat streaming down my back.
"You used magic? To call down lightning?" I heard a new feminine voice speak, with a rotating device around her neck.
"Not magic, formulas. That's what Hal taught me." I answered directly. "With the formula, Zaun has a chance to thrive, to be a proper city worth breathing in."
Unease settled within the silence until I broke it, I'm good at that.
"Because breathing in smog and toxic fumes every day isn't healthy." I turned to my right. "At all." Then I turned to my left. "I don't recommend visiting."
I heard a few of them inhale in contempt and irritation.
"So, this chamber is it? You've managed to capture the lightning within it?" A young, masculine, but arrogant voice decided to grace our ears.
"Gotta get something out of it." I answered without sounding as snooty as him, which was surprisingly difficult.
"It must not have been much, since it wasn't enough to be deadly."
The woman with the golden tattoos cleared her throat loud enough to silence him.
"Disregarding the last input, Owen, I have a proposition for you." She started as she laced her fingers and leaned forward on the table. It made seeing her face easier, but not much. "I am willing to offer financial assistance in the construction of Zaun in exchange for the power of the chamber."
"Now, we're talking." I lift my head and cup my fist. "Currently, no."
Sharp gasps and hushed discourse of outrage erupted from every corner of the table, except from the golden tattoo lady, Sevika, and Heimerdinger.
"Are there complications...currently?" she calmly asked. This isn't her first go at negotiating.
"Plenty, but Silco can explain it better, since he began production of chambers." I waved him forward. Thankfully, he isn't prideful enough to fight against my play, he played along instead.
"Counselor Mel," he gave a curt nod of recognition. "The chamber itself is holding too much power to use at once. Currently, I am running tests to manufacture smaller chambers. These chambers can take some energy and be used by anyone who has the knowledge to harness it."
"Wow." I spoke out loud. He looked down at me. "You make it sound so nice, sorry. I'll stop talking."
"So, you need smaller chambers, because the original chamber captured nearly all of the energy that the bolt had? Fascinating!" Heimerdinger stopped himself before his excitement overwhelmed him.
"Personally, it was all worth it. Zaun will be a great city one day." I claimed.
Heimerdinger chuckled. "Well, I'll see to it that your efforts aren't in vain."
That could be ominous.
"Firstly, we need a smaller chamber that can hold a small amount of energy. Then we can talk about prices." I point to Silco and Mel. "You two can talk about prices while I make the chambers."
Silco nodded. "Simply put, this is acceptable."
"So, the terms are: I will personally fund the requested materials needed to make these chambers. When the product proves to be reliable, we will begin the final stages of negotiation. These negotiations will involve property rights, trade, and market rights." Mel elaborated.
"These terms sound more than fair." Silco approved.
"All in favor?" Mel raised her hand, and a light shined over her. One by one, each of the council chair holders raised their hands until all were highlighted by the lights above.
"It's settled then." I muttered under my breath.
"Not yet." Silco replied as he kept his eyes on Mel. "If that will be all, Owen and I must be off."
"Of course! Thank you for coming." Mel thanked us, as if we had a choice in the matter.
Silco locked eyes with Sevika before leading the way out of the room.
"That went better than expected." I pointed out.
He stopped in place, and this time, I reacted in time.
"What you said about Zaun, you meant that?" he asked as he turned around.
"It's the only reason I got zapped. Didn't mean for it to happen, but—"
He held his hand up to silence me, but I slapped it instead.
"Thought that was a high five." I said as I swung my arms by my sides.
"No, you didn't," he revealed.
"You're right." I admitted.
He chuckled in his throat. "If we are going to continue to work together, you cannot be this annoying."
"Hmmm, I don't think I can do that." I teased. But somehow, Silco decided to take that seriously.
"Owen," he exhaled. "I am not a good man."
"Seriously? I haven't noti-"
His hand moved in a blur as I was pushed against the wall and felt a sharp edge against my neck.
"This is the most restraint I have ever shown in my life," he confessed as his face remained carefree and callous. The blade against my neck feels sharper than my own. I don't dare to speak, else the effort in doing so will sever something vital.
"I'm going to save your life now. Because if I don't, you will die, and I will destroy Zaun's only hope for its brightest future." Silco proclaimed as he released me and walked back into the counsel room.
I remained on the floor for I don't know how long. Did that just happen? Suddenly, the doors opened again. To my apathetic horror, Sevika stands in the doorway with a look that could kill as easily as her bare hands. What does Zaun feed their women? She stomps over to me and looms over my relatively scrawny frame.
"Owen, right?" She grunted.
"Yes." I confirmed as my corpse has to be identified somehow.
"You talked a good game, kid." She complimented me as she lifts me into her arms and began descending down the steps.
It took a while for it to register. "Um, what's happening?"
"You're the man now, or that's what Silco said." Sevika informed.
We descended a few more floors before it dawned on me. "Are you saying that the factory is mine!?"
"Don't yell at me, kid." she demanded with a serious face.
"Sorry." I quickly apologized. She appeared somewhat amused by it.
"More or less. He believes in you. So he's going to give you a crash course on how to be a leader," she informed me as she lowered me to the floor.
"After 'saving my life,' he still wants to deal with me?" I rubbed at my neck and pulled back as I felt the sharp pain that only a blade can leave. He drew blood.
"By the looks of it, he did just that. Trust me, he's done far worse," she admitted as she dropped a cloth over my finger and wiped away the blood.
"I believe you, thank you." I said as I followed her out into the street.
"Don't thank me yet, I have to kick your ass into shape. You're too scrawny," she bluntly observes.
"What!?" I yelled.