The Rouges

t w e n t y t h r e e

Triven nodded in acceptance, his deep eyes trained on the floor. I would have to ask for an explanation later.

"What brings you here Lyra? Your skills could obviously use refining, but I get the feeling that's not why you're here."

I mentally cringed at his rebuke. "We are here for information."

"Information doesn't come cheap these days girl." He tossed another green bundle of paper onto the fire as he eyed us.

I placed my bag on the table between us and pulled out the knives and the heat-seeking gun. The bomb I left tucked away. No point giving away all of our leverage. Triven showed no sign of surprise as I laid out the weapons. I wondered if he knew I had them the whole time or if he just was better at hiding his feelings than I thought. I stepped away from the table to let The Master— or Xavier or whatever the hell his name was— inspect my offerings.

His expression was not so convincing. There was a spark in his eyes as he ran his hands over the weapons in turn, lifting the gun and flipping the knives in his hands. Every time his hands moved I could feel Triven tense behind me. But I wasn't worried. If he had wanted us dead we would be already.

"You found the way in?" His eyebrows rose in disbelief.

I shook my head. "That is why we are here to see you."

"The only way I know into The Sanctuary was sealed off long ago. I cannot help you." He stepped back from the weapons, still gazing longingly at them.

"There were maps you used to have." His fierce glare told me I had hit a nerve, I wasn't supposed to remember that.

"Those maps are not for trade." He narrowed his eyes. "Besides what could two children like you want with them?"

I snarled at his use of the word children. Triven spoke before I could lash out.

"The Subversive is rising. We plan to overthrow The Minister and take back what is ours."

  Or just escape Tartarus. I thought to myself.

"I would love to see The Minister fall..." Xavier pondered. "His misery would bring me great joy. But these measly weapons you offer are not worth my maps."

I reached inside my bag and pulled out the silver coated bomb, letting my fingers trace over its flawless surface. His eyes lit as they watched my fingers.

"We may be able to strike a deal after all."

Fifteen minutes later, the maps were safely folded into my backpack and we were back outside on top of Xavier's building. I was ready to leap to the next rooftop, anxious to get to a safe house and examine the maps in greater detail, but Triven had paused.

"If we move on the city, will you join us?" He asked Xavier.

The man I had known as The Master clapped a large hand over Triven's shoulder and shook his head.

"I have no desire to kill one ruler just to be forced under the thumb of another. I am the only ruler I need. The maps are dated and won't tell you everything, but they are a start. If my sources are correct— and they usually are— you need to seek out the Ravagers' meeting place, a building in the upper west quadrant. All I ask is that you remember my trade with you was fair and leave me to myself when the time comes." He turned to me. "You're still one of the best naturals I have met, but don't get sloppy. If you need refining, you know where to find me."

I nodded respectfully and we set out across the rooftops once more.

On any normal night, I would have rolled my dice and headed for a random safe house, but tonight was different. Other Subversive guards now occupied several of my safe houses and our goal was to place ourselves near the next target, which didn't leave us many options. To narrow it down further, there were some places I could barely fit into, and there was no way Triven's larger frame could maneuver the cramped access routes. We passed through the night unseen, but I was on edge. I had to remind myself that this is how I had lived for so many years, a shadow on the rooftops, that it was normal. The only difference was I had never done it with someone else. As we ran I narrowed our options down to two places, the old transport station or the clock tower. Last time I had stayed at the transport station several Scavengers were sniffing around for scraps. I loathed their vile stink. Even the thought of them triggered my gag reflex.

The clock tower it was.

At an earlier time, the jump to the dilapidated tower would have been impossible. But during some point of the world's decay a nearby building had fallen into its side, giving someone with nimble feet, like me, the perfect approach. While I moved lithely over the crumbled stones, I could hear Triven's progression slow down. I waited a little impatiently for him before leaping up to the next ledge and pulling myself over. He landed next to me panting.

"You're lucky you're so small. I was worried that rubble wouldn't hold my weight." He pressed his hands to his knees.

"Almost there. Come on, we can rest once we're inside." I chided him.

The tower was just as I had left it. It was a large room with four round glass windows on each wall. They were three times my height and frosted an aged white. I am sure at some point they were beautiful and illuminated but now they were merely stained with dirt and decay. A few roman numerals still clung to the outside faces, while rusted gears protruded inwards. You could just make out the clock hands on the other side. We couldn't light a torch in here for fear of being seen, but the room just up the spiral staircase was invisible to the outside.

"Home sweet home." I murmured as we entered the windowless maintenance room and lit the torch.

"How often did you live here?" Triven asked as he ran his fingers over the food preserves I had stashed on a shelf.

"Only sometimes. It's merely one of my safe houses. You know, a different one every night." I shrugged, feeling self-conscious. But his eyes were warm and admiring as they fell on me.

"This is amazing. You're amazing."

I flushed and began rifling through my bag for another torch. "Anyone would have done this. It's just about surviving, that's all."

When I rose, his chest was right in front of me. I looked up at him as his hand reached for my face, but he stopped just before touching me.

"No Prea, most people would have just given up and let the city consume them. You, however, have made this city yours. You bent it to your will and took control of your own destiny. You are amazing."

I pressed my face to his palm, closing the gap between us. The instant my skin touched his, his lips found mine. And for the first time in my life I let myself forget that I was in the city of Tartarus.

                                                                                *******

Yooooo!

So we're off to important parts now! This was one big chapter to get done! I couldn't wait for you guys to know about the Master!!!!!!!

Also I'm thinking of putting up the cast for the characters! Do let me know what you think!

Also I'm starting this little thing where from now on I GIVE SHOUT OUTS and dedicate one chapter to the amazing readers/fans of  'The Rouges'!!

So this chapter is dedicated to the wonderful who s one of the most amazing readers I have. She's always sure to not only vote but also comment!

I absolutely adore reading her comments. Do check out her profile and take a look at her works.

And oh a lot of you guys have been PM'ing me to know how I despite being a boy, can write from a girl's POV.

TBH, i don't know. Its sounds weird but actually, Lyra doesn't require much feminine  knowledge!!! :) :)

Have a god day and VOTE//COMMENT and ENJOY!!! (Next chapter dedication might be yours)

:)