Clockwork

Chapter Six

The telescreen grew heavy in her hand. No, it can't have been. Yet it was. She watched the rest of the Prince's speech, his words slurring into a blur. She could see it now, that inky dark hair. It was undeniably him. But why had he come to her? It's not like she had her own website. She was pretty sure that only the locals knew about her.

Pouring some oil onto the telescreen to lubricate the wires, she puzzled over the Prince's reasons of finding her. Had the bloody Patron blabbed? What if the authorities found out that she had no legal papers? Oh she was in trouble now.

Curse her damn bad luck.

Finally managing to fix the telescreen and give it a test drive, she leant back in the chair, pondering her options. She would have to leave Amortia, of course but she couldn't leave for another 6 days as the Prince would want his telescreen. She didn't need him thinking that she was stealing from the crown. She wasn't that stupid.

She could also go and talk to Hunter. He'd know what to do. Except she hadn't seen him in a while. That jerk had impeccable timing when it came to disappearing. What a moron.

For years she had made sure to stay of the Queen's grid. That woman had it in for her. They'd met briefly, before she announced herself Queen. She had commanded Felicity to create a special podium for her, to appear wealthier and more distinguished than the other candidates. Wanting to embarrass the then least popular candidate for Ruler of Earth, Felicity had programmed the podium to spurt oil at Avarice every time she mentioned seizing power. As a result, Felicity became the first engineer to reach the top of the most wanted list and she was forced to flee the capital. At the time, she thought it was worth it, but now she wasn't so sure. Oh, and if the Prince showed the Queen the fixed telescreen, she would immediately recognise the workmanship. Yup, she was definitely screwed.

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Felicity was now pacing up and down her hideout's floor. Dust bellowed from underneath her feet, the result of 5 years work on her project. That was it. She would have to leave. Perhaps she could leave the telescreen with the Patron. She was sure that he'd be more than willing to be on the receiving end of the money.

                                                                                                      *

Hunter Stygion was not in a good mood. For the first time in his career as a street fighter, he had lost a fight. He was lucky enough to leave only with a split lip and a bruised eye. He had left the fighting ring in shame, hanging his head. How had he lost? He knew every fighting style but this newcomer fought different. He fought dirty and Hunter did not like it.

It didn't help that the newcomer didn't even show his face or give a name. Hunter had lost his earnings for the day and he wanted to make the newcomer pay. His ego bruised, Hunter had refused to make any human contact for 2 days and by the end of the was near starved. He was going to find that person and repay him for his loss.

Turning away from his makeshift living quarters, Hunter began to walk to Flick's house. She would help him find out who the guy was.

                                                                                                      *

"And get this,"

Hunter started, shaking his arms in annoyance.

"The bastard doesn't even show his face. Or give a name. And he takes all of my earnings! Flick, are you even listening?"

Felicity nodded, still staring out of the window.

"I heard you. Cloaked figure, no face, no name."

"Yeah, and all my earnings gone. $350 it was!"

"Wait. Did you see anything, like perhaps a hairs colour, the type of cloak?" Felicity asked, a sudden connection beginning to form.

"Yeah, but what does that matter? I'm still without my earnings!" An exasperated Hunter ran a hand through his hair.

"Hold on a sec. His cloak, it had like these sliver things,"

He mimed his description.

"Looked bloody expensive, you know, like leather or velvet or something. And his hair was like black but not black. It was like ink, you know? Dark, dark blue. I would love to yank it out of that head of his." Hunter finished, sitting down and punching the wall to emphasise his point.

"Was he wearing this chain, with a-"

"With some kinda crest on it, yeah. Had an S on it."

Felicity shot up and shook Hunter's shoulders.

"He was in my shop this morning. And that's not the worst part, Hunts. He's Prince Kyros!"

Hunter was silent for a minute then burst out laughing.

"Oh good one, Flicky. His Highness, coming all the way to Amortia, and participating in a street fight? And pigs fly."

"No, it was him! And I'll prove it to you."

"And I'll believe you. When I stare at him right in the face and pry my earnings from his cold hands."