Chapter 1
1
Livern
It’s like I’m flying. Running through the clouds without a care in the world. Yet you also are still only on top of a run-down building in the middle of your home city. I’ve been in this place for my whole life and I will never get used to the amazing feeling of running throughout the rooftops of buildings…or the terrible smell. I also haven’t gotten used to the fact I’m apparently a big-time criminal now, surprisingly getting hired to steal stuff for a living is getting pretty popular. The paychecks reflect it too, I might even have enough to move to the middle city. Even though I know I could never leave this place.
As I weave my way through the rooftops I hear the hustle and bustle of the city streets that almost lull me to sleep. I suddenly get jerked out of my thoughts remembering I have a job to do. Nothing special but I’ve been instructed to grab as many wallets and valuables as I can for a night or two at a local inn. But ill do anything a roof over my head and a hot meal. I working my way off the roof of a small apartment building. Fire escapes and balconies aided me on my way down. I jump to the ground with a thud and take off my jacket tying it around my waist due to the crazy amount of sweat covering me. I then go through an ally way to get to the heart of this shitty little city of mine. People surround me all enamored by the various vendors selling items ranging from watches, food, and water, to drugs. Which makes my job so much easier. As I make my way through the crowd I snatch a wallet or two and a few watches. Once satisfied I make weave my way through the crowd into a small alleyway and sift through my loot. I quickly count everything and put it back in my pockets. Just as sit back up the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up. I freeze in fear mentally preparing myself for the worst. I slowly turn around and my heart stops as I see a big man with a black mask on with a dart gun in hand. Before I can even disarm him I’m hit right in the leg. My heart races for a few seconds before it goes dark and the world turns silent.
The first thing I feel is freezing cold air all over my arms and legs. As well as my heart is beating so fast that it’s basically vibrating. And slowly but surely will my eyes open. My vision is blocked by a cloth black bag that is only thin enough for me to see that I’m in a violently lit room. My arms and legs are tightly tied to the metal chair I’m sitting on. And then all of a sudden I hear a door open. I jump at the sound but I also know it, it’s the sweet sweet sound of a full electrical sliding door, I’m pretty sure only people from the inner city. Man, you don’t hear that much down where I’m from, most places I’ve been having holes in the wall from where angry guys have kicked their way through, but I’m more than lost when it comes to the fact I’m in the upper city.
“ Hello,” a deep loud voice says in front of me making me jump out of my skin. The voice sounds almost robotic and stiff which creeps me out a bit but before I can come to any conclusions I hear another person come into the room before someone comes behind me and yanks the bag off of my head. My eyes slowly but surely adjust to the light in the room but once they do I see a tall man in a suit accompanying a short and thin man with a beard. The room is concrete floor-to-ceiling and has only one bright light overhead and two chairs. Moving my attention away from the room I notice the big tall guy has an even bigger gun which makes me straighten a bit, though the short man then sits in a chair in front of me and flashes an uncomfortably sweet smile. I look him up and down with a poker face in return and finally say something.
“ Who are you and where did you take me? What part of the inner city are we in?” I barked at the short man, which made the big guy in the corner move a bit closer to the short man sitting in front of me.
“ Hm. An observant one I see. Well, I am Mark Yuleo, the assistant to a very important person here in the city. They wish to remain anonymous but they have hired me to find the best and brightest people for a very special assignment. And you Livern and someone you will meet later are my top picks. If you accept and all goes well you will be taking part in the job of the century. And the pay isn’t bad either might I add. And might I apologize for the unfortunate way we have to meet you? Personally, I would have done it differently but orders are orders.” he says with a smile, “ You can very easily decline but Livern, it’s urgent and we need you on this mission. Now all you need to do is sign this paper and I can give you more information. Again might I remind you that this is the job of the century? You, Livern have been chosen out of thousands of criminals around the world.” He ends seemingly moved by his own words. I then take a moment to think. This is obviously legit, the guy has the fanciest clothes I’ve ever seen and no one could get their hands on the gun big guy has. And if this dude isn’t full of shit and this is the job of the century then I could actually be put on the map. I’ve got nothing to lose either. When is anyone getting an opportunity like this either?
“ Okay. Now if you untie me it might be a tad easier for me to sign that form.” I say with a smirk that seems to bleed over to Mark. He motions for his little minion to untie me and after he’s finished a pen and paper are thrust into my hands. After skimming through it I find out the form is only to make sure I don’t tell another soul about this and they aren’t responsible for injuries, which I would find sketchy as shit in any other situation but this is the most legit and non sketchy way I’ve been asked for a job so its okay in my book. After signing my name I hold out the paper to the Mark guy who is bouncing his leg and practically rips the paper out of my hands.
“ Now I had a feeling we could rely on you Livern,” He says handing the form to his minion who tucks it into a folder that seemingly comes out of nowhere and tucks it into his jacket.
“ You Livern have been hired to find a very high-up officials child. You and another highly experienced criminal will go outside the wall and find the child. The child must be unharmed but other than that you can use any and all methods to capture them. You will meet your, partner, later tonight at a company-provided penthouse that will get you all ready for your journey. After tonight you will be given 5 days to find them. We have an estimated location but nothing concrete. You will receive more information in the morning. Also, I thought I might mention that you and your partner will be the first nonmilitary personnel outside of the wall. One of my bots will be in here shortly to direct you to the penthouse,” Mark says standing up and flashing a quick smile before both men leave the room. What have I gotten myself into?
