The Harvested

Chapter 3: The Heist

The sun rises over Ogalis, casting an orange glow across the skyline, but for Lila and the Feelers, the dawn brings no comfort. In the dim light of their hideout, tension hangs thick in the air as they finalize their plans for the heist. Maps of the Vault are spread across the table, marked with security protocols and guard shift schedules.

Lila studies the layout, her heart racing as Jaxon points out key areas of focus. "This is the entrance," he says, tapping a spot on the map. "It's heavily monitored. We'll have to create a distraction at the west side to draw attention away from the main entrance."

Mira pulls up a holographic display of security footage. "I've hacked into their cameras. The guards change every hour, but there's a 15-minute window during the shift change when we can move unnoticed."

Kai, leaning against the wall, chimes in. "Once inside, we'll need to locate the central chamber where they store the Orbs. That's our target. The emotions they harvest are too valuable to stay locked away."

Lila listens intently, her mind racing with the possibilities. She thinks about her own experiences—how she felt when she sold her emotions—and the impact this mission could have on countless others. They could unleash the most potent feelings, giving people hope and joy instead of chains and despair.

As the day progresses, the group prepares for the heist, each member donning black tactical gear designed for stealth. Lila finds herself in front of a mirror, adjusting her gear and trying to steady her breathing. She practices channeling her emotions, focusing on her happiness, anger, and determination. If she's going to amplify their resolve, she needs to tap into her own strength first.

Felix, noticing her anxiousness, steps beside her. "You've got this, Lila. Just remember, we're all in this together. You're not alone."

His words help calm her nerves. She nods, feeling a flicker of confidence as they gather for one last briefing. Jaxon lays out the final details, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication.

"Trust each other," he says, his voice steady. "We've trained for this, and together we can pull it off. Let's reclaim what's ours."

As night falls, the group sets out, moving silently through the streets of Ogalis. The city is alive with the sounds of nightlife, a stark contrast to their mission. They slip through shadows, guided by the faint glow of the Vault in the distance. Lila feels her heart pound with anticipation, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through her veins.

Arriving at the perimeter, they find the west side crowded with guards. Jaxon gestures for silence as they huddle behind a large dumpster. "Mira, it's your turn. Create the distraction."

Mira nods, pulling out a small device. With a few swift movements, she hacks into the nearby streetlights, causing them to flicker erratically. The guards are momentarily distracted, exchanging confused glances.

"Now!" Jaxon whispers.

They move swiftly, darting toward the main entrance. Lila channels her emotions, amplifying a sense of urgency among her teammates. Their resolve strengthens, and they slip through the entrance just as the guards begin to investigate the commotion outside.

Once inside, the atmosphere shifts. The air is sterile and cold, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights. Lila feels a chill run down her spine as they move deeper into the building. The walls are lined with glass displays holding various orbs, each one glowing with a unique color—vivid reds for anger, soft blues for sadness, brilliant yellows for joy.

Lila's heart aches at the sight. These emotions, stripped from individuals, now sit imprisoned in glass, their true purpose forgotten. She swallows hard, channeling her feelings into determination. "We need to keep moving," she whispers.