Arc 2: Liberation...

Chapter 12 – Eyes on the Rogue…

The Seredums took the remains of their Lord Keeper, Suraiya Badawi back to Dubai. She was laid to rest in the desert outside the city.

Hugo and Vincent rejoined the Zeta Squad in Greece and explained how their search went. The squad in turn informed the duo of the fate of the Keeper and the involvement of the Cult.

Deciding to end the mission, Hugo led them back to the Regal Palace. While the others waited outside, he met and relayed the mission findings and report to the Seear, Renekom Mujin in the Seear’s Hall.

“What about the bounty hunter?” Renekom asked. “Was he any trouble?”

“He isn’t that stupid after all,” Hugo replied with a smile. “None of us had any way of tracking the Keeper, so he stepped up and did it. He tracked her and also revealed about the presence of the remnants.”

“He voluntarily helped you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s odd. Don’t you think?”

“Perhaps. But sir, if I may, my team has had a long day. Can I let them off now?”

“Of course, son. I will discuss the alchemist theory with the Parliament and my council. The Mystics have also picked up unusual movement within the Cults, so maybe they will have more insight for us.”

“Absolutely.”

“Good job… as usual, Hugo. Keep your head up. You couldn’t retrieve the remnants, but your team retrieved the Keeper’s remains, and you unearthed the fusion of the remnants. That’s more than commendable. Keep it up.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The mission had ended. New mysteries had been unearthed. And the team was tired in need of a well-deserved rest.

The captain walked out and saw the squad standing in the hallway. He relieved them and told them to go rest.

“What about him?” Neil asked looking at Vincent.

Hugo looked at him as well. “I believe he has earned a bit of relief,” he said. “A little rest and a meal… at the cafeteria.”

“What?!”

“You’re not serious, master?” Gina asked.

“Yeah, man,” Marcus said. “I mean don’t get me wrong. The guy helped and all, but is this really necessary?”

Hugo glanced at everyone. “The way I see it,” he said. “None of us did much. We provided support only… you guys supported the Seredums, and I supported him. He found the Keeper and then found the remnants, which was far more than the mission’s objectives.”

As he looked around once more, his eyes came and settled on Camille. “Care for an analysis, spotter?” he said. “Should he be sent back to the prison straight away?”

Camille smiled and said, “Your call, master.”

Hugo took a deep breath and said, “It’s been a long day, guys. Just please go and rest up while you can. We don’t know when this thing is gonna blow up and create a mess. Just rest up and be ready.”

After another deep breath, he looked down and said, “Cami, take Vincent with you. Find him a shower and a bed.” Then looking at Vincent he added, “Like I said, you’ve earned as much. You will get a bed, for at least as long as these gumnuts are out. Plus, you will have one meal with us in our cafeteria later.” After a pause he smiled and said, “These guys already don’t like you. Cooperate with them and don’t give them a reason to beat you up.”

Everyone moved out except for Camille, Vincent, and Hugo. “Can I help you with anything, Cami?” Hugo asked, looking at his sister.

“You don’t honestly believe they’re gonna let him sleep, do you?” she asked back, standing arms akimbo. “Sending him to the hostels is pretty much worse than the Atramentum.”

“Who said anything about the hostel?”

“What?”

Vincent leaned ahead. “Aaa… will you people stop it,” he said. “I get it. You’re trying to soften me up. But please. It’s getting old. I prefer the prison. Hard floor and stone pillows are fine for me.”

The Zaatsu looked at him. “Orders are orders, kid,” he said then looked at Camille and said, “Take him along, find him a bed and a shower, and don’t argue. Now, get out of here!”

He tightened the Ki limiting ropes on Vincent’s hands making sure that he would not even be able to run faster than any normal person.

Camille said, “I’ll have to take him to my house… in the city… Hugo?”

Hugo had already turned around and was walking away.

“Why do I get stuck with the stupid tasks?” she said as she smacked her forehead.

Vincent smiled and said, “Those who learn are the ones burdened. The negligent can simply walk away…”

“Come on, Mr White Bolt.” She was shaking her head. “Let’s go.”

Camille’s house was in the southeastern part of the City of Ayn, nearly 6 miles from the Palace at the northern edge. She teleported them straight to her tiny backyard in her 80 square yard house.

“You see that shed in the corner there?” she asked, pointing to her right. “You can take a bath there. I’ll leave some clothes outside.” Then, pointing at an old couch in the veranda, she said, “You can sleep there if you like.”

“What if I decide to run away?” asked Vincent.

“Be my guest…”

“A better response would have been, go ahead… make my day…”

Camille chuckled, shook her head, and went inside.

The bounty hunter then went and took a shower. When he came out, he found a towel, a pair of brown corduroy jeans, and a white t-shirt hanging from the rope in front of the bathroom door. And there was a also a plate of biscuits and a cup of warm tea waiting in the veranda.

Putting the clothes on he dragged himself to the couch and sat observing the flowerpots. But it felt as though they had not been watered in a few days. And yet, a faint sweetness lingered in the air. The wild poppies had held their scent longer than expected. He smiled. The white edelweiss complemented the red poppy but carried no scent, just a chill of high altitudes and the silence of stone.

Many minutes later, after drinking the tea, he finally laid down and closed his eyes. Camille stood in the window observing.

‘He has completely let down his guard,’ she thought. ‘What is up with this guy?’

Seven hours later, Camille woke him up.

“Come on, let’s go,” she said. “Hurry up!”

Vincent sat up and stretched. He once again took a look at the flowerpots.

“Did you water them?” he asked.

“Yup.”

“When?”

“Aaa… just a few minutes ago, I guess.”

He took a deep breath then said, “I didn’t notice at all.” With a chuckle, he added, “It’s quite a comfy place you’ve got here. Best sleep I’ve had in a while.”

Thereafter, the two set off to the grand cafeteria complex adjacent to the southern entrance of the Royal Academy of Martial Prowess. This was a multi-story structure built to accommodate hundreds of employees, masters, and students of the Palace and the academy. It had 10 different kitchens spread across the floors with stoves seldom turning off during daytime.

Elsewhere, Hugo had been summoned to the Seear’s Hall. The bounty hunter’s role was once again in question. No one was comfortable with the idea of having lunch with him.

“You people haven’t seen that man in action,” he said, with a shake of the head.

“And we hope it remains that way,” Renekom said. “Why does he matter so much to you?

“Because I’ve seen him in action.”

Hedish asked, “Hugo, is it true that you sent him to your sister’s place to rest?”

“Yes, sir,” he replied, nodding. “I sent him off with Camille, my sister. Told her to keep an eye on him…”

A young Parliamentarian Mystic leaned forward with a smirk. “Maybe,” he said, “you’re hoping he’ll marry her next. Keep the prodigy in the family.”

Silence followed with a heavy shift in the air. Hedish closed his eyes in quiet embarrassment, Renekom pressed two fingers to his temple, exhaling, while Hugo simply stared at the Mystic, his gaze flat and sharp as steel.

“Mind yourself,” he said. “You’re speaking like a jackal among wolves.”

“Relax, Hugo,” Renekom quickly said, looking up. “People are just trying to understand your behaviour.”

Perhaps the inappropriate comments of the Mystic did not sting as much as the Seear’s dismissal of their seriousness. And Hugo’s gaze slowly shifted to the bearded leader. But he decided not to speak in anger and merely sat in silence for a few moments then looked away.

“Never liked the man,” he eventually said, “but Master Warren was right about one thing…”

There were lines on his forehead which he quickly removed as he stood up and quoted his deceased master: “The Eye will fall when senseless bastards begin acquiring knowledge, they are not worthy of.”

A few weak and indignant voices stirred in protest, but they were silenced with a single command. “Be outside the cafeteria at one,” Hugo said. “You’ll understand.”

Then he stormed out of the Seear’s Hall.

Nearly 1 o clock – the cafeteria was as busy as it would ever be. For Camille, the plan was simple – get Vincent there and wait for Hugo. However, when she arrived, she realised the place was even more busy than usual.

‘I guess the news got out,’ she thought. Everyone was waiting to see the White Bolt. Some were even waiting for the chance to throw a knife or 2 at him.

Grabbing him by the arm, she quickly made her way into one of the halls on the ground floor. Hugo saw them and walked over briskly. He grabbed Vincent by his shirt and dragged him back out.

“What’s with the relay race?” he asked.

“How much charge do you think you can muster?” Hugo asked in response.

“You put the ropes on, you tell me…”

“Well, then let’s spar a little before we eat… a little morning exercise.”

The two walked out. The invested crowd followed. They kept going and stopped at the wide stone street in between the academy and the cafeteria complex. Hugo left Vincent standing in the centre and walked a few steps away.

“Get ready,” he said. “I won’t use anymore Ki than you can. First back to hit the ground, looses.”

The place was thronged with spectators. They packed the street on either side, climbed atop the walls, sat atop the trees, and stuck their faces out the windows to watch the famous Zaatsu go up against the infamous bounty hunter.

The crowd standing towards the academy parted and opened a small pathway. Renekom, Hedish, and some other high ranked Martial Artists made their way to the edge of the street as well.

“Shall we begin?” Hugo asked.

Vincent took a few moments then said, “Your call…”

With a smile the Zaatsu said, “You should feel honoured, Vincent. Where else would you find such a distinguished crowd?”

He scoffed. “Every crowd thinks they’re all that. Look around you. They are jumping over each other like a crowd at a rooster fight.”

Hugo began charging his Ki, slowly building his strength, and assumed a battle stance. Vincent remained still as a statue in the middle of the street. When the Zaatsu charged, however, he moved fast to avoid the strike with relative ease. Now, his Ki was charged as well but going at a level lower than that of the Zaatsu.

‘Conserving Ki?’ Hugo thought. ‘But why?’

“Do you see that?” asked a Sokidu, taping another one's shoulder. “Do you see the Ki charge?”

One across the street looked at all his friends and exclaimed, “He’s got the Laminar flow!”

A Mystic near the Seear muttered, “He shouldn’t be that precise. Not at that age...”

Hugo began walking in a circular pattern around the bounty hunter who once again stood still. It was a dismissive posture. Hugo Baylis was not someone you would want to take your eyes off of. But the crowd was starting to understand what the Zaatsu had been saying all along.

He attacked again. Vincent avoided it again. But this time, he countered. And the battle began. The crowd filled with the best Ki Manipulators, Magicists, and Mystics of the world was in awe. The combatants were sticking to close range, hand-to-hand combat and were not willing to waste Ki and use long range attacks or elaborate spells. This was Hugo’s specialty. But he was being matched blow for blow. In fact, Vincent was moving just a touch faster.

They saw the laminar flow, they saw the highly disciplined martial arts, and they saw the instantaneous charge – this man was no ordinary rogue. He was well trained and disciplined. The entire crowd, cheering for Master Baylis, was more than impressed by the precession and flow of his opponent.

People at the Palace had a deep-seated hate towards the White Bolt. They considered him a vicious man, a monstrosity, and a murderer who had killed many an Eye compatriot. He was also called the devil’s man who was time and again in the news for collecting scriptures of the forbidden Dark Arts.

Yet this man before them was different.

“Elegant…”
“Fluent…”
“Highly cognisant…”
“Disciplined…”

These were just some of the words being used by the Martial Artists and the Mystics to describe the bounty hunter.

All the while the duo dwelled in silence. Tactic for tactic, they one upped each other, and move for move, they complemented each other. Every ploy and every trick was being foiled and rendered ineffective. It was a master tactician vs a man whose reflexes were lightning fast. Hugo had the greater skill and had more experience, but Vincent was adapting as the bout progressed like a highly intelligent fighter.

“He was not kidding,” Hedish said in Renekom’s ear. “This man is something else.”

With an odd smile from Hugo and a passing grunt from Vincent, they competed in a place within their minds and their souls where they were not enemies nor strangers. They were brothers in spirit, disciples of the same legendary master – Zaatsu Warren Ford.

Standing lost amongst the crowd around her, Camille felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked back. It was an old, bearded man in a blue robe. He too was watching the sparring session. She could not recognize him at first and almost turned her face back towards the battle. But then she stopped and looked back once more.

“You’re Master Al-Gohari,” she whispered.

He smiled. “Those two are something else, aren’t they?” he commented.

Mustaqeem Al-Gohari was an 80 year old Mystic emeritus who was seldom if ever seen at the city of Ayn anymore. A legend who quickly rose to prominence in his younger years, he went on to mentor the likes of Warren, Yang, and even Vincent Von Bergen – an entire generation of prominent Martial Artists and innovators.

“I got news of the event and thought I’d come take a look,” he further said as Camille stood wide eyed and frozen. His raspy, shaky voice mesmerized while his aura encapsulated her. “Tell Hugo to keep an eye on that boy. Tell him the bounty hunter has far more to him than has ever met the Eye.”

When Camille still did not respond, he smiled and looked at her. “Don’t worry, Camille,” he said. “I’m not as intimidating as they say I am. I’m just an old man with a loooot of baggage…” After a pause, he asked, “Will you give my message to Hugo?”

Coming about, she nodded saying, “Yes, absolutely, master.”

“Good girl. I see a bright future for you, kiddo…”

With a chuckle he once again started to watch the battle and so did Camille.