Paladin's Academy

Act II, Chapter 11: Trouble in the Neighborhood Part 2

Abandoned warehouse. Somewhere in Boston. Twelve hours before the Showcase.

"My, my. You are quite the tough nut to crack, huh?"

"Sadly, every man has his limits, and you must be nearing yours, Dr. Hersher."

A pool of blood floods the warehouse floor. Box and crates are coated red. A single lightbulb dangles from the roof. In the middle lay a middle-aged man gasping for air. His glasses have been shattered across his face. His whole body is bound to a chair now resting on the ground. A nametag can be seen on his chest, one 'Dr. Alfred Hersher, Avalon Incorporated.'

"I've already told you everything I know! Please let me go!" He cries out.

"Everything? But we don't even know the guest list for today's expo, Doctor."

Standing in front of him is a woman. Her silky black hair flows past her shoulders. Her crimson eyes gleamed excitedly while her lips curved into a sinister smile.

"Rumor has it, Streetwise will be making an appearance today. Is that true?" 

The Doctor hesitates, "I-I don't know!"

"Sounds like a yes to me," she turns away, "just thinking about him is getting me excited~"

The woman extends her leg and kicks Hersher right in the gut. He coughs out more blood, some of which gets on her shoe. The red liquid nearly splashed a man. He shields himself using a black umbrella.

"That is enough, Wager," the man closes his umbrella, "Clearly, the poor Doctor didn't know of today's Guest. I doubt he even has that level of clearance."

He steps forward, cleaning his umbrella. His distinguished formal black suit remains stain-free.

"Are you sure?" Wager pouts, "I'd bet otherwise~"

"We've gotten everything we need," he says, "he is of no use to us anymore."

"Wait!" Dr. Hersher pleads, "I can tell you more!"

"See?" Wager smiles as she kicks the Doctor yet again. This time, sending his glasses flying.

"I've grown tired of this interrogation. Besides, I believe it is time for him to eat."

"Awwww, alright." Wager sighs but quickly shifts her attention to a man dressed in purple and black streetwear, "See, I told you this would be over before breakfast. Pay up, Recoil."

Recoil steps forward. His beanie slumps over his eyes as he hands over fifty bucks.

She looks to one of the darker corners of the room and calls for someone, "Oh Tarare~ it's breakfast time. Hurry up! It's the most important meal of the day."

A big, lumbering man steps out of the shadows. His long hair covered most of his face. He slowly approaches the Doctor, who screams, "S-s-stay back!"

Wager and Recoil walk away with the formal man. They step outside into the orange light of the rising sun. The man taps his umbrella as a shadowy mist starts forming beside him. Its singular eye stared at the two villains. Recoil recoils away while Wager just laughs.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Clockwork," Wager bows and smiles, "give the mad King our regards~."

"Of course, Ms. Wager. And be sure to take care of our mutual friend here," Clockwork points towards the living shadow, "do not keep us waiting."

The black mist begins to envelop Clockwork as he slowly fades away. Only leaving behind vague smoke. Wager shows their new friend back to their makeshift headquarters.