Saving the World - Awakening

The Seven Deadly...Items?

Mornings were always stressful for Islington dealers.  People would come from all over England for their legendary black market, and sometimes this meant early in the morning.  Catering to these early risers was difficult for them to anticipate, as some came as early as 4:00 and some only at 7:00.  Today, most of the dealers seemed to be caught off guard by an early crowd of customers.  A few were cursing under their breath as Eliot passed by them, annoyed by the unexpected surge of clients.

As shops were set up, a vile aroma filled the air.  The massive selection of wares had its downsides, and the mixing of scents was one of the most distinct downsides.  Still, people came.  The dealers had to live up to the motto: "If you can think it, we can get it."  And for the most part, they did.

Stealing from criminals sounded noble, like Robin Hood.  But here, it was anything but.  Most thieves were brutal, injuring and often killing the people they stole from.  That is, if they were caught.   So, Eliot grew up in this atmosphere, with no mentor but the cruelty of the streets.

The first things he would look for were foreigners, as tourists were the most susceptible to thievery. Eliot looked around inconspicuously, acting as if he were only a customer.  Many did not suspect him, even though he was sixteen, he could pass for older.  He looked to be simply a young man starting in the business early. 

His jaw ached, and he had begun to feel his tongue more than before.  It throbbed horribly, and he could feel it start to swell in the place that he had almost bitten off.  He had felt worse pain in his life, he had broken countless bones and probably twice as many sprains and fractures.  Still, it hurt.

As he scanned the crowd, he spotted a middle-aged man who was standing between two dealers. His dark black hair was slicked back, like a fancy businessman, and he seemed to be waiting for someone. He wore a suit, obviously freshly tailored, with a black tie. The man stuck out like a sore thumb among his impoverished surroundings, but acted like this was where he was supposed to be.  Curious, Eliot strode forward to talk to him.

"Eliot Green.  I've been looking for you." The man said abruptly.

"What do you want?" Eliot asked, caught off guard.

People knowing your name meant either you were good at your work or someone wanted you dead. Most of the time it was both.

"Am I correct in saying that you're a thief?"

"Depends," Eliot said casually, "Who's asking?"

"I need you to steal these items for me." The man withdrew a small piece of paper. "100 in advance, 100 for each item you bring to me at 20:00."

Eliot reached for the piece of paper, still curious.  The man quickly pulled it away and put a finger up.

"If you take this paper, you are committed." he warned.

Eliot snatched the paper and waited for the man to fish the £100 out of his coat pocket.

"How do you know my name, anyways?" Eliot asked.

The man smirked. "Meet me here at 20 o'clock sharp.  Good luck, Eliot."

With that, the man brushed past Eliot and into the stream of people, which had nearly doubled in its size since they had started talking.  Eliot stood there, £100 and a piece of paper in his hands.  He considered going back home to see if his family was still there and pocketing the £100.  Something compelled him to investigate, though.  Whether it was his curiosity or his need for money, he proceeded to open and read the paper.

7 Castor Beans

4 Dandelion Leaves

4 mL White O+ Blood Cells