~~CHAPTER

ONE

Shimmers of light beam into the cracks of windows of the stone building I am in. I stand next to a man, his teeth cracked and mangled – obviously a fighter – and his jaw looks like it's broken.

I try not to look at him for too much at a time. But even the few seconds I stare and look away he noticed me. "Okay kid, what is it?" he asks, his glass eye staring at me.

I gulp not wanting to say anything. Over all, those Talons scare me. But intrigue me too. It's something about the idea of someone who fights for the land no matter neither how large nor how small it may be. Every town counts to them.

He stares at me, his one good eye gazing all around me. I gulp. Never have I been so close to a fighter. His face met mine and he breathes on me. His breath smells of weak cigarettes and strong alcohol such as Vodka. But that's hard to come by now. Maybe further back but now, it goes for a small fortune to buy.

"I-I just I don't know." I grit my teeth on my lower lip a bit – it sometimes calms me – my lip turns bright red and I stop.

"Listen kid, I'm just like you; I'm people," the man with a glass eye states angrily. I knew he was, but it's hard to think someone could have more injuries than skin and still be able to walk perfectly.

"I-I know. Just . . ." my head lowers and my words are muttered.

"Just what, kid?" he crosses his arms, the sound of his jacket he has on went unnoticed aside from the sound of his hand running against his other.

"It's that you're . . ." I couldn't bring myself to say it.

"A monster?" he groans. I nod slowly and he massages the bridge of his nose. "I am not a monster kid. If it wasn't for me and the rest of us Talons, you'd be dead," He says bluntly. "I am far from a monster."

I nod again. Not sure what to think of him. He has a point – I would be dead if not for him and the Talons – he glares at me.

I stare down at the book I began reading moments before talking with the Talon.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

I get up at the same time the Talon does. He scratches his rough bread and looks to the book I was reading. "Good book, kid," I look to him – a Talon that reads? I then look to the book he was reading. It was by the same author as the book I am reading.

"You read?" I ask and he tries not to take the offence in my voice.

"Yeah. Retired years ago. Nothing better to do, now, I just train those new recruits and stay home," he claims shrugging. I nod and he sighs. "You don't understand, do you?" he has once again got me there. I always wanted to be in the Talons, but I can't stand the sight of blood. It makes me realize I am unfit to even work as a simple Watcher.

A Talon's choice is to lead a life of danger, cruelty, and excitement. A life; I wish I could have. I can't though.

First my dad despises those who think war is the key to our humble city to thrive and rise above the rest. He believes war is the key to our downfall and destruction. He believes in peace and tranquility along with my mom. I'm the only one who disbelieves our family's choice on peace. Even my older brother wishes he hadn't chosen to be in the Talons.

The head of the Shadow Talons are named Necro, a nickname given to him for his stealthy abilities. The head of the Task Talons is named Task Taker, another nickname given to him because he takes even the simplest of tasks, no matter how small or big, and a few others.

All lead a group individually named. Necro leads the Shadow Talons, Task Taker leads the Task Talons, and the nameless leads all of them.

My attention turns to the nameless man standing next to me. "I'm Matthew Jeremy Dancer, what's yours?" I ask he glares at me and sighs.

"I'm Silent Noise, yes. It's a nickname. And yes, I was a Shadow Talon," Silent Noise states bluntly. "Now, here I am, teaching younger generations of the Talons."

I look to the stone cold ground. "So, do you like teaching younger people, and how young?" I ask timidly. Though he looks serious he was quite peaceful and kind.

"It's fine. As your other inquiry, younger than sixteen." Ever since the land was killed, our crops destroyed, thinking it was the city east of Inkwell – the city I live in - somehow we had to lower the ranks of children being able to be in the Talons, it was originally eighteen, now it's below sixteen. Of course, you need a permission slip from your parents if under the age of eighteen, like the Old Days.

I tilt my head at the idea. I realize I am the age to be able to go into the Talons and even be their Watcher – their guide to the other cities and abandoned one as well – but I am too weak to bring myself to say it.

"You could make a good Watcher, possibly, kid," Silent Noise shrugs I smile at the idea. The idea of being able to actually make a change in the way we live here, in Inkwell. I look at him slowly. "You seem to be quite keen."

"I-I am but, I can't stand the sight of too much blood. Which kind of is a deal breaker, right?" I sigh. It has to be, a Talon protects Inkwell and keeps those inside safe and sound.

"Not, if you're a Watcher, a Watcher only stays and watches combat, explains what to do. Such as telling what weapon to use, you don't fight; you watch blood on the monitor." He explains. It did ease my mind to think I could fight, without fighting. Though the idea still twists my stomach in knots – seeing the sight of a lot of blood on a monitor – he sees I am still uneasy and he rolls his eyes.

"Look, Watchers, even though it's required to know the basics and the advanced weapons, they don't have to use them. Only know its power." Silent said setting down a book and smiling, almost all his teeth have fallen out and the ones that haven't are getting ready to.

I nod. "I-I'll think about it. Okay?" I ask I know where to go if I choose to sign up as a Watcher. I know the basics of what a Watcher does and what they're paid to do. Silent Noise hands me a permission slip.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

I am smart, possibly the smartest seventeen year-old out there in Inkwell when it comes to maintaining a library time and school. As I get home to the cobblestone built house, I hear nothing as my family sits – other than my brother Zack – on the sofa quietly sipping tea.

It is always this quiet, this is one reason I don't know of going to become a Watcher. It was quite loud when Zack was here and younger. He's a year older than me and he forged a signature of our parents' to get in. He hasn't gotten any complaints from my mom or dad.

My dad sighs and presses the tea cup on his lips and sips. My mom does the same and both sigh. "I'm home." I say somewhat quiet.

"Ah. How was the library?" my mom asks she holds the same passion of reading that I do – I got a lot from my mom's side – I shrug. My dad looks at me, how I shrugged was odd. I always go to the library and tell my mom all about it.

"It was nothing special. Except I met a . . ." my words mutter out and they didn't hear.

"Come again, kiddo?" my dad let's an eyebrow raise. He is worried a bit.

"I met a Shadow Talon." My dad, I was unsure why he hates those people, each has their opinion, right? He gasps and grabs my arm pulling me to the hallway.

"What did I tell you about those, those, ruffians?" I tilt my head "ruffians", When has he ever said that? I ponder for a moment.

"To never speak to them." I mutter, monotone to my voice.

"Exactly, they're nothing but trouble." He states, I feel it as a lie.

"But Silent Noise isn't," I hiss he gives a displeased look.

"Who is this Silent Noise, you speak of?" he asks gritting his teeth. I don't feel I'll ever understand his obsession with hating the Talons.

"He's the Shadow Talon, I met. He's a reader, he teaches younger people, and states I would make a great Watcher for them," I explain. "And maybe, I will take him up on that offer." I cross my arms and he frowns.

"You will not. That is a command. You will not become a Watcher. That is dangerous." He grits his teeth once more and I shake my head I can see he is sensitive of me becoming a Watcher. Why?

"You do not own me . . . anymore. I make my decisions for myself. I don't need you to make my decisions for me and to tell me what to do and what not to do." I hit my hand on the end-table holding the keys to my dad's car.

"Yes. I know. And I know you won't make the same mistake as Zack. He has no one to turn to. No one to care for him." He had a stern look set on his face and I lower my head.

"Would you rather, I stay here and hate my life until you die and I join and have an unfulfilled life? Or I join now and live a happy and fulfilled life?" I cross my arms waiting for a response of anger and disappointment.

"Fine . . . get me a slip." He says. My eyes widen, shocked, it was that easy to get my dad's signature.

"Seriously!?" I smile and clap my hands. I had one in hand from Silent Noise. Handing it to him he grabs the nearest pen and signs it. He smiles and hands the piece of paper holding my new life to me.

I run out. My mom sees and sighs. "Oh no." She mutters sadly. "There goes our little boy. Again." My dad sits and comforts her running a hand along her shoulder – that always helps her calm down – I run to the nearest station and see, of all stations I choose the one with Silent Noise.

"You got the slip?" he asks me seeing a wide grin planted on my face. I nod and he takes it. "Good."

I sit and smile wider and wider. This is really happening; I'm becoming a Watcher if I pass the test of course. That is what worries me.

Will I pass?

I stare to the gray cobblestone flooring. The sounds of charcoal burning below me fill my ears. It was almost all I can hear. Other than the harsh pounding of my quickened heartbeat my stomach hasn't settled just yet, knots form. This is the moment of truth whether or not I'll become a genuine Watcher just like I hope to be.

The pounding of my heartbeat was all I can hear, even the sounds of charcoal burning below my feet was quieter than my heartbeat.

A slender figure walks out and extends his hand. I take the offer and I get up walking into a small makeshift classroom. Six others were there excluding the teacher who had the nametag calling him Nicolas Barn. He speaks. "Okay, quiet down, now." he says, he was very soft spoken for someone in the Talons. No one listens to him.

"Quiet!" he shouts drawing the attention of all students. "I am Nicolas Barn. And I will be seeing who passes, and who fails," He states, he sees me in the corner seat and chuckles. "Let's begin."

The clock ticking, the sound of pencil to paper, charcoal burning below us, and the sound of my heartbeat was all I hear. I am horrible at tests but I am better at this test than any other, knowing this is my life. This is a new start for me if I pass. Nicolas looks over his shoulder to my paper and smiles.

I slowly look up to Nicolas Barn who was in a suit with the insignia of the Watchers, a three shaded "W" of white, black and blue, with a red outline, and the words the top of it stating "Watcher".

I mutter the word for a few seconds as I write. Nicolas slams a hand to the desk. "Pencils down! I will grade as I get them!" He shouts it causes me to jump and he sees it and laughs. I hand mine in after two girls. He looks to mine and starts grading it.

I bite my nails worries of my grade fill my mind to no end until he tells me whether I pass or fail.

His eyes were wide and his jaw dropped he glances to me and sighs. Nicolas sets the paper down and grabs the nearest pen. Looking up at me he groans. "You . . . passed." Nicolas had look of shock. "What's your name?" he asks. There was no requirement to write our names on the page, so I didn't. We simply grab a number before entering and he calls our numbers or points to us, if he can see us.

"Um. Matthew Dancer." My smile went wide and I clap my hands happy to hear I did it. I passed one of the biggest tests you can go for. "Your uniform, kid, will be given when you talk to Adrian, he's our creator of the uniforms, Mr. Dancer." Nicolas explains. I nod and look to the door and smile widely.

This, is a new era for me; Matthew Dancer.

2: Chapter Two

~~CHAPTER

TWO

I sigh as all of the sun's rays beam on my body. I am walking down the halls of my new home for three years – or more – I see an odd man. He sighs and continues walking.

He was obviously a wannabe Watcher. "Hey, what's wrong?" I ask the kid who looks away and keeps walking. I walk with him – he was going the same direction as I was anyway – he is silent for a few minutes before I speak. "What's your name?" I foolishly ask.

He keeps quiet for a second then looks to me. "Lucifer D'Nob, okay?" he states shyly it was quite quiet after that for another few seconds.

I shrug. "I'm Matthew Dancer. What's a matter? Is it me?" I ask, I could tell the boy is shy but that is quite shy.

Lucifer keeps quiet thinking I will just walk away out of boredom. "I'm . . . just . . . shy," Lucifer explains, I could believe that easily. "It-It's not you." He continues walking his shoes were wet obviously as they were crunching in the wet wooden hall.

I am shocked he isn't a teacher, with the fact he wears a suit identical to the teachers' clothes. "So, what exactly are you?" I ask, expecting to get nothing out of him.

Lucifer looks back to me and sighs softly. "A student, and a wannabe Watcher, that's what I am," his words were soft and hard to hear but I didn't want to ask him to repeat himself.

Lucifer and I walk to the hall which had six doors, three on each side. I glance at Lucifer hoping he knows where to go, because I sure don't.

"This d-door, Matthew," he walks to the middle door to the left and he and I walk through it. Inside was a man, his arms crossed and his hair standing up like its alive or something.

"Hmm?" he looks to me and then Lucifer and smiles. "Oh! Are you here for your uniforms?" that must be Adrian.

"Are you Adrian . . ." he nods quickly even before I finish my sentence.

"Yes. I'm Adrian Zander! Creator of these fine uniforms!" he said excitedly as he hops up and down.

"Pardon my jumpy behavior, I've had six cups of coffee and not a single minute of sleep for three days," he said, his head jittery and turning left and right. "Oh, where are my manners? Here are your uniforms, sweeties." Adrian hands us our uniforms but Lucifer drops his.

"I-I've g-got my own th-thank you s-so ever m-much though." He stutters. He was shy he can't even speak to another official from the building.

"Oh. Okay. Go on, I have a lot of work to do . . . if only I had the cloth . . ." Adrian frowns I roll my eyes. "Oh. Here it is, no that...that's not it."

Lucifer tugs on my short sleeve shirt and tries to walk away. "What-What do you need, Adrian?" I ask at that moment his head perks up and he looks to me.

"Nothing too rare, just . . . some linin." I laugh. That stuff is as easy to come by as a bed.

"Are you kidding? Linin? That's so very easy to come by. Why do you need us to help?" I ask knowing that I actually offered to help.

"It's that the shipment is in Inkwell Harbor, in an hour from now, and I need to stay here. But you don't." Adrian smiles I sigh and nod.

"Fine. We'll do it." I roll my eyes and feel as Lucifer digs his elbow in my side.

We walk out and Lucifer shakes his head. "I-I am not g-going to Inkwell Harbor, that place is dangerous," he shutters. "D-Death, p-plague, s-stabbing, and . . . blood." He knows that is something I am afraid of, but only one thing breaks that fear to a minimal level; a promise.

"I-I don't care, we are going. What if I am hurt, who will call the Red Talons? I can't, anyone on Inkwell Harbor will not. Only you can. Be a good person and help." I guilt him into going, truthfully I probably will die there. Lucifer sighs and pats my back.

"Good job using the guilt trick on me, that's hard for me to f-fall for," Lucifer admits. "L-Let's just go. I-I want to get out of Inkwell Harbor as quickly, and as intact as p-physically possible." Lucifer had a point. I want to be alive to see graduation for this.

Becoming a Talon is easier: Sign up on the reserves and go to the building, being a Watcher is more difficult. You go to a boarding school and learn all the traits of a Talon, and the other branches, as well as what a "Watcher" is.

I walk out the door of the big school building and see Silent Noise but don't do anything. As I walk to the gate of the school the guard looks down at me. He has breath that smells of strong alcohol even stronger than Silent Noise's.

"I'd like to leave, for two hours, please." I say, the guy sighs blowing a puff of smoke to my face.

"Fine." That's all he says before he opens the gate. "Be back before the dinner is served, if you are not back by then, we send Task Taker to find you." His voice raspy but I understand. So did Lucifer. Be back before dinner is served. Both me and Lucifer nod.

The gate keeper gestures a hand to the wide open gate his other hand occupied by the still-lit cigarette. We walk out and breathe in. It was putrid. I never got used to the smell of rotting animal carcasses and burning charcoal for power.

"Smell that . . . air," Lucifer whispers he was very protective of his suit and hood he put on. "To me; it smells . . . like home. I hope I never see it again." He mutters.

I was curious but the curiosity dims aside when the lights shut off suddenly. "Another power cut?" I mutter under my breath. Unlike my mom, or dad, or even my brother I believe we could go back to the Old Days' power.

I walk close to Lucifer D'Nob making sure not to stray away by accident. Lucifer is scared and jittery and a little protective of his hood. I ignore the questions rising to my mouth. My mom always said curiosity kills the cat.

But I couldn't hold those questions down. "Why are protective of your hood?" I ask quizzically he sighs and ignores me, could be a past deal or he is not close enough to me that he considers me a friend. Or something like that, I don't know.

We were an hour walk to the Inkwell Harbor and with our pace – more my pace – we will get there in no time, but with Lucifer's pace it seems like it will be forever.

I grab Lucifer's arm and yank him close to me. His hood was still on him and the corners of his black hair curl out of the corners of his hood on either side. "Seriously, we got to get a move on it." I hiss I don't want to have an entire team of Task Talons plus Task Taker to bring me back to the boarding school, not unless I am in danger.

Lucifer keeps on his slow pace, I feel like it's just to spite me. I wish he would just quicken his pace. But apparently, that's too much to ask for. I slowdown in my pace to make sure he doesn't chicken out and run back to the Watcher's Boarding School without me.

"Remember, we're doing this for Adrian." I state, it didn't seem to get through to him. Could be that he doesn't know Adrian well. Nor do I but, look at me. Walking down the scariest and most dangerous street for linin which I know you can buy at a store.

"Why is there a shipment of linin?" I ask looking to Lucifer.

He clears his throat and looks away. His light gray hood was drifting in the wind lightly and I saw his black hair his suit he wears is the same light gray shade as his hood.

"Inkwell's been out of linin for years now, Matthew. It's impossible to come by, but the King wanted to get a shipment sent up here just to have." He explains we have one way out of this place, and I don't even know what's beyond that. In the Old Days, it was a landmark, now, it's just a broken down rusty bridge keeping us "safe." Though I don't know what is out there.

"So, linin was out for years? I thought I saw linin just last week," I ponder the day.

"O-Oh. W-Well, the K-King made a substitute exactly like it but not as good looking," Lucifer states I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. I am too curious. "And because of the substitute, no one believed it was actually a different substance. Until now."

I gulp. "Does this mean the shipment is important?" I ask. It sounds very important.

"Oh the most important. But don't worry . . . we won't have . . . issues," he assures. "I hope." Those two words were almost too quiet for me to hear, but I did.

We were coming close to Inkwell Harbor and I walk. A bulky man stands by a large open plain. He wears a nametag calling him Albert. The man looks as he is in his late twenties or early thirties. "You here for King Bond?" he asks both of us shake our heads.

One of the others looks intently at Lucifer. His nametag calls him Paul. Albert and Paul look at us, intently. "You know, that kid, the one with the hood, looks like Prince Bond." Paul claims, smirking.

"But Paul, Prince Bond has been missing for the past year. It can't be him." Paul punches Lucifer's shoulder, hard.

"Hey. That was unnecessary," Lucifer rubs his shoulder tenderly.

"Yeah, Paul, that was unnecessary. Why'd you do it?" Albert asks grabbing Paul's hand squeezing it tightly as we hear bones crack.

"Just thought, Prince Bond was that kid." He states, Paul lets go of his hand.

"I am not Prince Bond. I am not that stuck little diamond," Lucifer claims the wind suddenly got strong and his hood flew off him. It is giving a clear view of his black hair and his diamond blue eyes.

"It is him!" Paul shouts. "I was right!" Other workers see Lucifer and gasp smiling. I look left and right. They look at Lucifer greedily, it was said, the person or persons to bring back Prince Bond is given six thousand golden coins each and every month for three years. It just shows how much money the King has.

"Y-You got it . . . all wrong sirs. I am not . . . P-Prince Bond . . ." Lucifer's words were going straight past those greedy workers.

"All the money will be ours," Albert said grabbing Lucifer's arm. I quickly kick Albert's shin causing him to wince and let go of Lucifer's arm. Paul grabs both of us from behind as two workers tie us up tightly.

"Shh . . . you will be right where you belong, Prince Bond." Lucifer wasn't even commenting this time just staring, I then see he had dyed his hair black. I see his roots still faintly bright yellow.

I look to Lucifer. "Is it . . . true?" I ask whispering. "Are you Prince Bond?" he wasn't commenting on anything anymore he just stands there, he was being put on a boat. And so was I. Our king was not King Bond but our rival king. Our king's name is King Earnest.

"I am." He suddenly whispers. "Prince Fredric Bond at your service," Fredric says quietly. "Please, keep calling me Lucifer though, I quite like that name." He admits I nod.

We were stowed on a ship and it was then I heard something I realized, it's been two hours since we left. I peak through a hole on the barrel they viciously threw us in. I saw it.

A group of four men were holding swords to their chests and one with a black and white jumpsuit. Their insignia is identical to the Watcher's insignia except instead of "W" it's a "T". I gulp. I look to Fredric and then back to the outside. The group walks up. Their leader; Task Taker walks to Albert and Paul calmly. "We know you have our students," his voice, was calming and he wasn't horrid looking either.

"No, no. We ain't got your students." Albert said obviously, Task Taker didn't like him saying that.

"We saw you take those two younger men, give them, to us." Task Taker commands, shaking his head Paul speaks.

"Sorry. We got a one way trip to the Northern Kingdom." Paul states suddenly, one of the three lower class men had a sword to Paul's throat. I gasp and look away. Fredric peaks through.

"Seriously, we ain't got anybody." One of the random workers claim Task Taker sighs.

Laughing moments later, Task Taker speaks. "With one sudden motion of the hand, you're life ends. Meaning, one last shot to make this right," he says. "Where are the two students?" Task Taker asks signaling the man to press the sword against his rough face.

"We don't have any students of yours!" he was unaware sadly that both Fredric and I were two students of the Watcher's Boarding School.

Task Taker nods and the man with the sword at Paul's throat thrusts it, cutting the flesh deeply and causing blood to spill down the blade. "Should, have listened." Task Taker grins grabbing his steel cut-less and thrusts it into a random worker. Albert grabs a club and tries to hit Task Taker but misses.

Task Taker grabs Albert's arm and kicks him in the knee causing him to fall and wince in pain. "Should have given me the students, Albert." He read the nametag.

Task Taker cracks his neck with a foot. Fredric's mouth was agape. "Is-Is it over?" I ask. I can stand the look and smell of new blood if it's not done in front of me.

Fredric nods. "It's over, Matthew." I sigh and lift my head. Everyone was dead, there was almost no fight. The barrel is opened by a Task Talon he had a mask. He points down making a hiss noise. Task Taker looks. "You find them, Drone 2.1?" he asks. Most of the Shadow Talons and Task Talons are made up of people with the nickname of Drone. No one knows why.

"Are you guys, okay?" he asks grabbing our shoulders and pulling us out, then looking to two of the other members. "Drone 2.0, Drone 6.8 get them untied." Task Taker commands. Both nod and give a high pitched hiss like Drone 2.1.

No one has ever seen another Task Talon's face, much less Shadow Talon. Or Red Talon, they're the elite part of this organization.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Drone 2.0 and Drone 6.8 looks at both of us. And hiss trying to talk. "They're asking what your business is in the most dangerous part of Inkwell," Task Taker translates. All of them wear masks hiding their face it was an oxygen mask. Again, no one knows why they wear it, they just do. And it's obviously pointless to ask them yourself not without Task Taker to translate.

"We were sent by Adrian Zander to get the shipment of linin. And obviously that went bad," I explain as Fredric pats down his hair.

"Well. Is anyone hurt?" he asks we shake our heads.

"Unless you count the four dead guys then yes." I joke Task Taker sighs.

"Good." He shrugs. "Let's get back to the Watcher's Boarding School." We all nod and Drone 2.6 the fourth one makes a melodic hiss. We walk back to Watcher's Boarding School.

3: Chapter Three

~~CHAPTER
THREE

I walk next to Fredric or Lucifer if you'd rather. Fredric smiles at me faintly. It was only yesterday that we were held captive by a bunch of sailors. Lucifer pats my back and sighs. "What's the first class?" I ask quizzically I forgot to ask for a chart for classes.

Fredric coughs a bit before looking to me. "History of the Talons, that's the first class." He explains. People got to adjust to their new lives and rooms yesterday, we were locked in a barrel and had to bring linin to Adrian Zander, which we did.

"History of the Talons? Oh. Interesting." I admit. There was little known about the Talons all the common people know is it started with three.

"Here's the classroom." He points. Almost all the classrooms were run by a Watcher or a retired Talon. In moments the classroom filled up with what felt like sixty people. Grinning a slender man walks to a desk. "Okay class. Before we go over the history we might want to understand what happened before then. During the Old Days," the teacher states.

"It all started with a glimmer in someone's eye. It then turned into reality with the blink of an eye. Thirty-two year-old Daniel Talon was skilled with a gun and guarding their house." He takes a breath. "His two brothers: Connor Talon at age thirty-two and Bruce Talon at age thirty-nine had their own talents. Daniel as said before was good at guarding. His twin brother Connor was exceptional at stealth." He pauses again. "And Bruce, the oldest was better than each of them at their respected talents. So, he was best."

"And this started the Talons?" a female voice asks.

"Yes. In pursuit of a better world, Daniel, Connor, and Bruce built a civilization from scratch, though it started slow and was on its last rope, Inkwell, suddenly thrived with people. However, those people were not who they hoped for." The teacher sighs. "They were evil people wanting to stay there and hide from the Old Days' cops. While Daniel was against it completely and Bruce was on a lean side of letting them stay or throwing them out, Connor was given a chance to become part of them," I looked to the desk; oak wood and metal combination.

"When Bruce chose to kick them out, Connor was furious. He thought he found who he was meant to be. A criminal. Cunningly, Connor got half of the Daniel's Talon group – Task Talons – to fight Bruce and the Red Talons, and his own entire group – Shadow Talons – to fight beside him. In the end," He looks to his desk.

"Bruce and Daniel lived. But Connor died. It was devastating to Daniel, even though Connor was evil he was his twin brother. Daniel fell into a deep depression. One he couldn't just shake off. The remembrance of witnessing his brother's death was just too much." The teacher looks out the window to the bustling street. "He wanted the pain to end. So, while Bruce slept in his quarters, Daniel, assassinated him, and then drank poison to really take the pain away." As sad as it sounds, it was what happened.

"Daniel was saved just before he died by medical personal, but Bruce lost too much blood thus, he died. Daniel thrived to make a better him. He created a stronger force more powerful than anything the world has ever and will ever see. It still stands today. And may it stand forever." I had a question but was pondering whether he would know the answer. I guess, it couldn't hurt to try.

I raise my hand and the teacher notices it instantly. "Yes? Mister . . ." he gestures a hand to signal me to tell my name.

"Um . . . Matthew Dancer. In any case, how do . . ." just then the bell rang and the teacher named Mr. Bell taps paper against the desk.

"I am sorry, Mr. Dancer but that is all the time for today. Please, go to the Readying Station and prep yourself." His words scare me: Readying Station? What's that? I'll find out I guess. I see Fredric, and I walk to him.

"Hey, Lucifer," I grin widely and he simply fiddles around with his hood. Even though he isn't out in public doesn't mean he doesn't wear a hood. After all, a good Bond is always ready.

Fredric smiles and walks next to me. His suit he wears has the insignia on the shoulder. "So, that was interesting, wasn't it?" Fredric was wearing his hood covering most of his face except his the bottom of his mouth.

"Why are you suddenly worried of your identity? You didn't have a hood when I saw you first." I bring up and he ignores me.

"I just am . . . okay, Matthew?" he walks to his locker and I smile at him.

"You know, girls like the shy types, and the quiet types," I chuckle. "Maybe you might meet a girl, Lucifer."

Rolling his eyes he turns to me. "If you say that or say anything like that. I will break you." I gulp. Suddenly seeing the tyrant side to Fredric and not the social outcast side of him which I figure I will see a lot of. I take out a pencil and paper and write.

Dear Mother,

The first day was . . . something I got to see Task Taker and I met this boy named Lucifer D'Nob. Oh I know if I try hard enough, I'll become one of the best Watchers out there!

Love, your son, Matthew

I see a mailbox where I can place my letter in. I slid my letter in and smile. "Oh. Lucifer, don't do that again. Scream at me like that." I explain and he shrugs and coughs soundlessly I ignore it.

"Whatever. Listen, Matthew, can I trust you, you know to keep my Fredric thing a secret?" he asks sternly. I nod and he sighs.

As I walk someone bumps into me, and looks at me. Two people stand next to him on either side of his shoulders. They look like the Task Talons but not they had only black instead of black and white.

"Sorry kid. Didn't see you there," he says flatly, doesn't even apologize like a normal man. "Name's Necro, surely you've heard of me, leader of Shadow Talons, enemy of Task Taker and Old Days' archeologist." He explains. I have heard of him more so as the leader of Shadow Talons but, I've heard of his archeology work too.

"Yeah. I've heard of you. Necro. Is it true you are a tough guy?" Fredric asks from behind my shoulder.

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Necro nods. "Yeah. I'm a tough guy. Why do you ask?" he asks suddenly pulling off a kick to the shins. Shocking to see as Fredric jumps and knees Necro in the gut.

Necro drops and gets back up. "G-Good one, Watch . . ." Watch was another word for Watcher it's also an Old Days' way to tell time.

"Thanks." Fredric puts up his hands and starts to stride left and right. "Hit me with your best shot. Come on. Fire away." Fredric taunts Necro groans and snaps his fingers. The two by his side walk up and put up their fists.

"Hey that's not fair." I oppose to this idea of fighting in the hall, but it isn't up to me.

"I find it fair." Necro slyly smirks as he lifts his fists.

I look left and right, good thing nobody was around at this very moment. Necro grabs Fredric's arm and tosses him to the wall. A small amount of blood drips down. That small amount I can handle, all it is happens to be a bloody nose.

Fredric counters his final punch and kicks him away so he could catch a moment of breath. Fredric soon after sees the two running after him. He ducks and jumps left, causing the two to smack their shoulders in the stone surface.

The two rub it tenderly and back away leaving only Necro to fight. Fredric was out of breath and sweat was dripping onto the oak wood floor. He leans on the cobblestone wall and I see how tired he is. And Necro smirks. But, Fredric isn't done fighting yet. He lifts his fists and smirks wiping away a bead of sweat.

"Come on, let's dance." Fredric then smirks and wipes blood from his lower and upper lip. Necro jumps and punches Fredric's face harshly.

He falls down and rubs his cheek which was bloody slightly. Still, it is not enough for me to actually make a big deal of.

Fredric shakes it off and gets up. I have no idea why he is fighting one of the leaders of the Talons. It is pointless to. Fredric kicks Necro in the kneecap and then punches his nose. He was pale, but not too pale not evil pale. His hair was chocolate brown and his eyes were emerald green. Necro falls to the ground, Fredric kicks his chest while he is down and this causes him to gasp for air.

It's then he realizes what he has done. He brushes off the Watcher's symbol and sighs. We simply walk away. We know we aren't clear just yet but we certainly aren't going to miss the next class it's an important class. We run to it and sit at a chair. Walking in was none other than Nicolas Barn. The man who graded the test seeing if Watchers was right for me – it was – and was shocked when I passed.

Fredric sits quietly and listens. "Now, the one thing you need to know about being a Watcher is you still need to fight, though very rare, you do need to fight," he kills it for me, will I need to fight some person in this class?

"Thus, we will teach you how to fight, using Drone 3.6, Drone 2.9, and Drone 9.7. Everybody got that?" Nicolas asks looking over the room no one except for Fredric has a question. "What is the difference between those three?" he asks.

"Good question, Fredric. Drone 9.7 is specialized to help new Watchers learn when to attack and defend, Drone 3.6, is used to know when to attack, and Drone 2.9 when to defend. Does that answer your question?" Nicolas asks smirking as Fredric nods. "Let's get started." He started calling names in a random order my bones ran cold when the words "Matthew Dancer" were spoken.

"I choose the Drone you fight. And you will work on . . . both. Drone 9.7, take your stance." Nicolas grins as he looks to me, my eyes filled with fright.

Drone 9.7 starts the fight with an uppercut I manage to dodge it and punch back. But it hurt me more than the Task Talon Drone. I punch the Task Talon's white chest plate. This was one of those times I hate wearing a uniform suit. Drone 9.7 punches me and grabs my leg and throws me to the ground. He pins me down by climbing on top of me. Drone 9.7 leans in and whispers a high pitched screech.

I bite my lip and toss him off with one kick. It reverses now, I'm punching Drone 9.7 and he's taking the punches. I grin and give one last punch to the face. I grab his collar and start beating him down shutting my eyes as I did so, just so I was not to see the ugly actions I was doing. I shudder knowing this is not who I am. This is not me at all. I look over and see Nicolas taking quite the enjoyment of me beating down Drone 9.7.

I climb off him and grin. He doesn't move, at all. I gasp when suddenly he gets up and pats down his black and white suit along with wiping away blood from my punches.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

BOOKMARK I cough and look away almost gagging. I look to Fredric and he smiles widely. If I make him proud, I did something wrong. I groan and bite my first finger. I do that often when nervous. Biting my pointer finger makes me feel fine like I'm in another world.

Fredric tugs on his brown suit and brushes a hand on the insignia. I look out the window and see nothing but bustling streets filled with the ants we call people. It was hard to tell one from another from this distance. From where I am, it's hard to see anything, we're on like the sixth story.

Fredric waits for his name to be called, but it wasn't. The bell rang soon after my fight with Drone 9.7. Fredric isn't discouraged he fought with one of the most powerful men to walk these halls – Necro – and won. Fredric gets to his feet and looks to me with a sigh.

"C'mon. L-Let's go," he walks me to the dormitory, though I didn't need him to. Inside was three people, standing in front of those three was a single man, a smile on his face. It was once again Necro.

"H-Haven't you had e-enough?" Fredric asks tilting his head to the left.

Necro laughs at Fredric. "Oh. I never know when to quit, my boy. It's a blessing and a curse." He looks to the three individual Shadow Talons and nods. Each of them jumps at Fredric and grabs his arms while keeping his legs firmly on the ground by stomping on them. Fredric winces in pain. The left over one grabs me and holds me to watch.

It was brutal watching Fredric suffer for winning a fight against Necro. "Stop!" I shout squirming Drone 6.5 stomps on my foot I wince in pain but keep begging Necro to stop hurting Fredric. Drone 6.5's foot was crushing mine as I was constantly screaming begging him to stop it. Necro finally does and drops signals the two Drones to drop him. He falls gasping for air. His nose was serverly broken and bleeding. I gag but fight back it isn't that bad. It's only a small nosebleed.

Necro walks off and grins. "I'll be seeing you, later, kid." He walks off and I stick my tongue out at him – childish I know – the door shuts and I am left alone with Fredric.

I lift him up off the ground. He groans and runs a hand along his smooth chin; he isn't able to grow a beard.

"Are you okay, Fredric?" I ask; we were in private so it was okay to ask using his real name.

"Y-Yeah. Yeah I-I'm fine. I-I should ask you the same thing. Y-Your poor foot has got to be hurting," Fredric was right it is hurting so badly but in comparison to his situation it was more like a prick with a needle.

"Yeah. Sure it hurt but compared to you I mean you were beat-up unfairly," I state. I this time was right.

"Yeah. What are you going to do though?" Fredric shrugs. My jaw drops not even a little anger towards Necro? This guy's got to learn when to go for revenge.

"Well, prank? We could prank him." I offer he declines instantly though it just isn't in his nature he isn't a prankster though, he isn't a dull person either.

"Prank? I don't know. A prank isn't really, my style you get it? I'm not a prankster," Fredric shakes both hands in unison to decline my offer.

"Well, we can't just let him win. And we can't just tell a teacher: "Oh Mr. Nicolas Barn, Necro beat up Lucifer D'Nob! Help!" you get what mean? Or even go to Task Taker he'll never believe . . . wait . . . he's sworn enemies with him, isn't he?" I tap my chin.

"If that's something he told the truth about, then yes." I grin widely; I am having another idea in mind. Something far less prank-y but still sweet, sweet revenge on Necro.

4: Chapter Four

CHAPTER

FOUR

I grab Fredric's shoulder and begin to run. It was close to lunch and unlike most Task Taker actually eats in the mess hall and not in their quarters.

We see him and he glances to us and back to his meal. Ignoring whatever it is we are doing. "Excuse me, Task Taker?" I sit down in front of him and Fredric sits next to me glaring at Task Taker.

He sighs and looks up from his food. "What is it?" he gives us his full attention. We wait a moment the sounds of silverware grinding against the plates and the charcoal for the fire blowing a loud hum.

"Listen, I am sorry about yesterday's incident." I apologize just trying to butter him up to ask the true question.

"Look, I haven't got all day. So, if it's something you want, ask for it now, I am a very busy man you know," it is true, he has so many people Task Talons are the most common and safest, after all, you choose which jobs to go on.

"I heard from Necro, you and him are rivals, is that true?" I ask. It was one question that came to mind and he is the only one who can appease that query.

"Oh. Necro said that? Oh. He hasn't changed you can say that, you can say that we are rivals. It's more though, of a brotherly rivalry." He smirks seeing our expressions change from understanding to shock.

"You . . . two are brothers?" I tilt my head a chill goes down my spine. They look nothing alike. Necro has white as snow colored hair that goes to his shoulders, and he wears an eye patch due to a fighting incident. And Task Taker has black hair that droops over only his left eye; and his eyes are perfectly seeable not a single eye patch.

"Yeah. Figures you wouldn't know. Not too many people do. But those who do; freak out big time; don't know why, but their freak outs are big and long. Don't freak out." He adds the last thing quickly.

"But, you do like revenge, to him, right?" I whisper in his ear. He grins. "Of course. What brother doesn't love a little mischief to his brother now and again?" I am shocked to hear THE Task Taker's brother is Necro. Granted, I was shocked to hear Lucifer D'Nob is actually Prince Fredric Bond. Even though his last name is Bond spelled backwards. Nonetheless I look to the ground.

"Can you help with some . . . revenge, for Lucifer here?" I ask. Tapping his chin with his left forefinger he thinks. "I don't know. What happened?" he asks; it was a fair question to ask in these circumstances.

"Necro fought Lucifer and lost . . ." I explain I see a shocked look on his face.

"This man, won, against Necro?" he was shocked to hear that. I nod to Task Taker's inquiry.

"Yes. Well, Necro attacked us and we want to get even with him. Can you help us?" I repeat the question one more time.

Biting his lip wondering if he should, Task Taker nods. "Fine. I'll help. But this revenge isn't just any old prank. It will be civil." He states flatly before leaning in to whisper in my ear along with Fredric.

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Fredric, Task Taker, and I stand by the Shadow Talons' classroom where a Watcher learns about Shadow Talons. Three people – two Drones, one Necro – walk out.

"Hey, Necro. Look, I understand you are angry at this kid. But, you cannot harm the student unless he requests it." Task Taker brushes his charcoal black hair. Some of it was darker than other parts.

Originally, Task Taker was a charcoal burner for the city when he was young. Now, at age fifty-three he leads a group of dangerous task takers.

Necro laughs. "You do not tell me what to do, little brother. I tell you what to do," he insists on fighting but Task Taker declines. "It's nothing personal; I just hate losing, that's all."

"That is personal; Tate," Task Taker crosses his arms to Necro – Tate – and sighs. "I thought you were better than that."

"What did I tell you of using my name, Ike!?" he hisses angry out of his mind. So, Necro's name is Tate, and Task Taker's name is Ike got it.

"Just wait until, Master hears of your abuse to this child!" Ike said smiling evilly. Oddly, I like him smiling evilly like that. It soothes me somehow.

"Oh who will he believe?" laughs Tate. "The younger brother who takes jobs like getting a cat out of a tree, or the older brother who has a better reputation," he had a point. The leader of the entire Talons – the leader of Red Talons – will never believe in the younger brother.

This interested me, I only knew of two leaders. I glance to Fredric who sighs. "I thought it would be like this." He yanks on his Watcher's uniform.

"Fine. I'll not mess with this student, anymore. If, he agrees to not get on my bad side if broken I'll beat this guy down." He looks at Fredric who gulps. It'll be hard. But he'll be able to keep on Tate's good side, hopefully.

We agree and simply go to bed. Walking into the dormitory we see three others just lying on their beds. On one was a red headed sixteen year-old, on another was a blonde boy who couldn't be anywhere above seventeen. And finally a kid with aqua blue hair – dyed – we look at them and shrug. "I believe we have yet to meet, I'm Matthew Dancer, this is Lucifer D'Nob, what are your names?"

They stare at me, one more so than the rest. "On my left is Johnny Brooke. On my right is Vincent Bunch. And I am Dustin Utopia," the blue haired kid said Johnny was the blonde seventeen year-old, and Vincent was the red headed kid. "Before you ask; I am sixteen, Johnny is fifteen, and redhead over there is seventeen, we have slips from our parents, don't worry."

I nod. Questioning that, do they, really? Zack forged one to get in there, and now he's in Red Talons.

Johnny fumbles his fingers around each other.

Dustin smiles and taps the bed. It was so soft, so comfortable.

"Dustin, what exactly are we doing?" Johnny asks he was obviously new here as he was not wearing the mandatory uniforms.

"Sleep, Johnny. Just go to sleep." He says lying a head down on the pillow. It was so very soft like an Old Days' fluffy cloud on a summer's morning.

The next morning I wake up early and rub the sleep out of my eyes. It was dark out still, but it was because of the smog from the charcoal power. I sigh and see Fredric, out on a deck. I walk over to the deck and see him holding a cup of tea.

"I don't know what we've become," Fredric mutters. "In the Old Days, we used to have electricity and power using simple objects such as sunlight and oil." he was looking out on the water, no one knows what lurks outside of the walls in Inkwell only what lurks in the water.

"Fredric?" I walk next to him. "Is everything okay?"

He looks at me and sighs. "Matthew, in the Old Days we used solar-power, oil, wind, other means of electricity, now, we just referred back to 1886. We're in the year 4156. Not 1886. We shouldn't use such low grades of power," I see where this is coming from. Pictures of vehicles that can go out of this city without much permission were seen all over in libraries and museums.

Here we are, using means such as carriages, old fashioned cars from the Victorian era, or bikes to get from one place to another. It isn't hard to imagine us referring to just the Old Days, when they had electricity and a better way of life. Here we are though, in a city which was known to collapse by the end of the world and become the next Atlantis.

With restrictions of going out of the walls the walls stretch as far as the eye could see and covers the land its one big square. Nothing more and nothing less, it's sad.

I just want to see what's out there; experience the world. However, to do that, I need to be exiled. And I don't want that. I want to be able to go back to the city of Inkwell if I wanted, if I needed to, if I wanted to visit my family. But, I wouldn't be able to. Once exiled, you are exiled for good. Only the worst of the worst criminals are thrown out of the city, and into the harsh environment of whatever's out there.

"I understand, Fredric. But, it's nothing we can do. Nothing anyone can do. That era is over, long live the New Victorian era." I set a hand on his shoulder and he slaps it away.

"Never, the New Victorian era will die, like all other eras before it. The Victorian era fell to the Old Days, the New Victorian era will fall to the New Days," Fredric explains. "There is no stopping it."

It was shocking he is eighteen, and he has the grasp we all will die within this era. "No. This era is the last era in this world." I claim, though I don't believe it myself.

"We had technology beyond compare; we had cars that were high end. Sure, the Old Days didn't have robots, but do we?" he inquires. "They hardly do anything often enough they break on contact to the creator," he explains. "Ideas of the Old Days come up with that robots will start a revolution and take their place as a being of importance. Not just a machine."

On one hand was the idea of robots fighting humans in a revolutionary war, on the other is the opposite. Humans fighting robots to make sure they don't up rise.

"Yes. I understand." I claim – I truly don't in the slightest – I rub my neck with one of my hands. Fredric shakes his head and sips his tea.

"How could you? Northern Kingdom is better in technology, not so much Inkwell," I don't take offence to that because I know it's true. Of anything Inkwell is best as a trading group. Not technology.

"Yes, I am aware of that. But, don't forget, it's Inkwell that started Northern Kingdom, Southern Kingdom, and Western Kingdom. By only three men, Daniel, Bruce, and Connor Talon it was started.

I sigh. Looking upon the bustling city which used to be filled with life and happiness, but not anymore, no more glee and cheers. It now turned to greed and sin. It was sickening to see such a good potential city turn to greed and sin just like that.

It wasn't something you'd hope for. Something you'd expect from a city created by three brothers whom loved each other very much.

I look below seeing nothing but black smog emitting from the factory of which we are near.

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The sound of footsteps pounding on the cobblestone street below is faintly able to be heard. People were getting to work by now, and it was almost time for us to get to the mess hall too. This one is learning about guns.

I walk over and tap Fredric's shoulder he jumps and looks to me. "We better get going," I point to the clock in the room. It was a few minutes before breakfast starts. Fredric nods and takes one last sip of his tea before setting it down on the edge and walking away.

I follow him to the mess hall. I wear a black suit with a white circle on the shoulder with a poorly drawn on "W". This one must've been made during one of Adrian's caffeine crashes. But it was still fairly nice.

I see that Dustin, Johnny, and Vincent sit alone with each other. I smile and walk up to him and sit next to Dustin. A girl then follows me and Fredric.

"Hey there, what-what's y-your name?" Fredric asks shyly.

She giggles and smiles at Fredric. "Shanna, Shanna Plum, you're quite the shy one aren't you?" Shanna chuckles and scratches his chin with one of her sharp fingernails.

"Yeah. I've been called that before, admittedly." Fredric sighs and coughs slightly as he fixes his hood. In front of him was a plate filled with meat pork to be exact. Fredric took a big bite out of the piece of bread he was given with the pork and then tried the pork.

An entire half-hour later; and only a few minutes later Shanna left us alone to eat our breakfasts. Class begins we sit down with our stomachs satisfied we wait for the teacher to come in. I see the door open soon after I sit down. To my shock a bulky, strong, black haired man walks to the desk; it was Silent Noise.

"Hello. Now, this is an important class especially for those who are going to help with the Shadow Talons. In the occasion one Shadow Talon may need to fight. You need to know their specialties," Silent Noise grins at the class. "Me myself, I am best with guns. But others maybe best with a sword or hand-to-hand." He explains.

I take notes – out of habit – I knew each had their specialties everyone has their specialties. Wh0 knows what they are but they are given to you once you graduate.

The quiz I took when starting this was a quiz to see what I'd control – Shadow Talons or Task Talons – it is a mandatory thing. Or I could be the head of the Watchers but that is a slim chance, and is a lot of work on my part. I may have a love for reading, but not for work of keeping track of every single Watcher in the entire facility. It's just too much for me to handle.

I nod and write down his words, word for word. Three slender figures walk in, all wearing the same uniform – a black and white full body suit – they all raise their weapons to the air, showing us all what they are best at. The one on the far right held up a sword; he is best at sword fighting. On the far left the figure held up his fists he was best at hand-to-hand combat. And finally, in the middle the figure held up a lever action pistol.

I write down their positions and weapons feeling as though it will come in handy at some point. I see to my left that Dustin is sitting down and tilting in his chair.

Silent Noise sees him and grins. "Everyone knows Necro, what is his style of fighting?" he asks looking to Dustin who is caught off guard with the question. He falls back to the ground. Johnny and Vincent lifts Dustin to his feet.

"Please, answer my question today Mr. Utopia. This will count for a few points," Silent Noise sees him struggle to know I chuckle; I know for a fact what his style is.

"G-Guns?" Dustin was unsure of himself he had a tendency to fail a question when under pressure.

Silent Noise shakes his head and looks to Fredric. "Now for you, Mr. D'Nob, what is his fighting style?"

Fredric grins and is going to enjoy getting it right. "His f-fighting style is not a-actually a fighting s-style, it's taking an e-enemy out one by one, b-but if needed he will fight hand-to-hand." He was sure of himself he never cracks under pressure unlike Dustin, but he does studded sometimes.

"That is . . . correct Mr. D'Nob." Fredric grins at the words. "Most of the Shadow Talons don't like to go hand-to-hand but like to fight in the shadows as D'Nob said." His face gazes to me and I see Nicolas Barn walk to Silent Noise. Whispering something in his ear. I am not sure what but I know it can't be good. Hopefully they haven't figured out Lucifer D'Nob is actually Prince Fredric Bond, that would be bad. Not to mention I'd have no friends.

Silent Noise gazes to me and smiles widely. I hear the word "Okay" but that's it. Everything else was too quiet for me to hear. But I didn't need to hear it; it's not bad, right?

Nicolas gets to his feet and looks to me one last time before smiling a bit before walking out. Another student coughs out of the blue. And Fredric coughs silently along with the other student.

"Um . . . class is; it's dismissed. Under orders of Nicolas Barn, the leader of the Watchers. I look up. The leader of the Watchers? He's the leader of them? Wow.

I get up and take my backpack before looking to Fredric. Almost everyone is out of the room other than Silent Noise, Fredric, and I. Fredric looks at me and smiles. "What was that all about?" he asks I could only shrug. The same question rains in my mind. Why did Nicolas do that? He's the leader of the Watchers.

By definition they're: One to watch over the Talons, whether their part of the Shadow Talons, or Task Talons. They thirst for knowledge when it comes to learning of the Talons.

It is out of character for a Watcher – the apparent leader nonetheless – to quit class before it's over. I walk with Fredric who sighs. "Seriously, what was that?" he wonders, I wonder the same thing.

Coming to the hall where Nicolas' class sits I peak inside. He's sitting there, grading papers when he sees me. "Ah. Mr. Dancer. Please, I insist, come in," he says, I walk in and he sets aside a stack of paper.

I look at him; he seems stressed; overly stressed at that. "What was that? You dismissed class?" I look to my hands then to Fredric who was sitting next to me.

"It's more complicated than that, my boy."