Chapter 3
[Monika]
[Timekeeper]
[Paris, France]
As the sun rises over the iconic skyline, casting a golden glow upon the elegant boulevards and grand avenues, Paris awakens to the rhythm of life. From the cobblestone streets of Montmartre to the bustling markets of Le Marais, the city pulses with the energy of millions of lives intersecting in a symphony of culture and creativity.
At the heart of Paris lies its historic core, where centuries-old landmarks stand as testaments to the city's rich heritage. The Eiffel Tower, with its graceful silhouette, serves as the iconic symbol of Paris, while the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as a timeless masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
But beyond the grandeur of its monuments and palaces, Paris is a city of contrasts, where ancient meets modern at every turn. In the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, centuries-old cafes and bistros beckon with the promise of good food and conversation, their walls steeped in the stories of generations past.
Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, there are moments of tranquility to be found in Paris's many parks and gardens. From the manicured lawns of the Luxembourg Gardens to the tree-lined paths of the Tuileries, the city offers respite from the chaos of the streets, a chance to reconnect with nature in the heart of the urban jungle.
But perhaps Paris's greatest asset lies in its cultural riches, with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries showcasing the best of human creativity and innovation. From the masterpieces of the Louvre to the avant-garde performances of the Palais Garnier, Paris is a city that celebrates the arts in all their forms.
(Brought to you by the Travel Agency of Paris.)
(This ad was bought for an amount that cannot be disclosed.)
(Timekeeper is not affiliated with any of the organizations that he promotes.)
(This is only an advertising board.)
[Paris, France]
A woman exits a 5-star restaurant. She appears to be Asian, with long golden hair and strands framing each side of her face. She sports a golden dress and shoes. She walks out with several shopping bags and puts them in a luxury car before getting inside.
Her name is Inquisitor Il-Suk, an extremely famous model who has worked with various companies. Where is she going currently? Inquisitor is driving to her nearby hotel. She doesn't have a personal driver today, as he is off, but she does keep personal bodyguards, who are currently at her destination. She's currently alone, with nobody to protect her if something goes wrong.
Feeling hungry, she decides to turn to a local restaurant. As soon as she steps out of her car, she is grabbed by someone and swiftly put into a van. It happens so fast that nobody spots her, and she can't even scream.
[Inside the Van]
Inquisitor is held up in an unmarked van as a kidnapper with a black mask points a gun at her head, demanding that she give up all her assets. Looking around, she sees the logo of another model named Kil Suk. Inquisitor says, "So, she hired you?" The kidnapper snaps back, "That's none of your business!"
Inquisitor looks down, thinking of a way to escape.
[Later...]
They arrive at an old warehouse, perfect for storing kidnapped victims. They drag Inquisitor out of the van and tie her to a chair. Another kidnapper in a doctor's outfit pours water over her head. She asks, "Why?" A human trafficker walks up to her, saying she'll fetch a high price on the market. She repeats, "Why?" The kidnapper replies, "I'm just doing business, and you're giving your favor to the world! Just be quiet, and we'll move this along."
The kidnapper grabs his phone to call a potential buyer. Inquisitor notices that the guards have time in between switching. When one of them drops something on the floor, she tells him. He picks up a soda can he had in his pocket. While he's distracted, Inquisitor kicks him in the shin, knocking him down. She quickly unties herself, chokes the guard unconscious, and takes his gun and other equipment. She escapes.
[Ten Minutes Later]
The other guard walks in to find his partner unconscious and alerts everyone else that she has escaped.
[Outside...]
Running for her life, Inquisitor sees car lights in the distance. She quickly hides in some forest bushes. Backing up into the forest, she finds something interesting—a green glowing orb.
[Dreadzone]
Inquisitor finds herself in a place resembling a Hot Topic store. At the register stands a small girl. Inquisitor kneels down to talk to her. The girl is wearing very short shorts and a slightly large shirt, with a spiked choker. Inquisitor asks, "What kind of outfit is that? Aren't you like ten?"
The girl replies, "I am much older than you are aware of—mortal! I shall give you a gift for finding my orb. I am also aware of the predicament you are in. I shall grant my grace so you can walk freely." Inquisitor responds, "Why Hot Topic? Why not a—" "Shut it," the girl commands. "My name is Belelamon! I am the great demon of the roundtable. I shall give you the gift of durability! You shall not be harmed by any attack, power, or ability. You shall have boundless durability. Now go! I shall assist you along your way!"
[Outside...]
Inquisitor wakes up inside the bush and walks out of the forest. She pulls out the AK-47 and starts shooting at the cars. Some men get out and start firing back at her. To their surprise, the bullets have no effect on her. She effortlessly tanks them with no damage sustained to herself. Walking up to them, she says, "You can't harm me now. I am invincible!"
The men begin to run away as she slowly approaches. She grabs one of the kidnappers and bangs his head against the car door. She finds a phone and dials her security agency, scolding them for not finding or protecting her. She tells them to pick her up at her location, then ends the call and waits.
[Five Hours Later]
Inquisitor sits in her hotel room, with security outside her door. She ponders why she was kidnapped and why she was going to be sold. Before she can close her eyes to sleep, Belemon steps into the room. Belemon says, "Hello! I saw how you handled yourself out there! You did great! I am proud of you!"
Inquisitor looks to her left and sighs. "I guess so. Anyways, what do you want?"
Belemon responds, "To see you out! Or rather, to give you a gift. Take this shield."
Inquisitor looks at the shield. It is very big, very round, and sleek, with a silver finish. Belemon says, "You can even give it a design."
Inquisitor says, "Thanks. I will be heading to bed. Goodnight."
As she turns off the light, Belemon waits there quietly, awaiting her next day, with her.
[End]
[End]