"Your path here with us is over, child. It's time for you to embrace your destiny." Said the smiling face etched in his memory now.
Those were the final words of Master Chen, the only parent figure Travis O'Neil knew before leaving the mountains he called home. Now, standing in front of the massive black iron gates of the Harrington estate in New York City, those words echoed in his mind.
Travis had never been away from the mountains. For over twenty five years, his world had been the mountains of Colorado, a remote monastery nestled high above the bustling modern world, where life was quiet, disciplined, and isolated.
But now, here he was, in one of the busiest cities in the world, unknown what kind of task he would be given by billionaire businessman, Gregory Harrington, a man he had never met but owed his life to.
After a gruelling nine-hour journey from the mountains, Travis finally found his way to the Harrington estate, hidden deep within one of New York's wealthiest neighbourhoods.
The estate was enormous, a sprawling mansion surrounded by tall hedges and guarded gates, completely disconnected from the chaos of the city outside, which made sense that Travis had a hard time already wasting five hours before finding his way to this secret base.
As he approached the gate, an elderly gatekeeper stepped forward, giving Travis a stank look. Dressed in simple, loose clothing and carrying only a small bag slung over his shoulder, Travis was a far cry from the polished visitors the Harrington's were used to.
"Who are you, and what's your business here?" the gatekeeper asked, suspicion clear in his voice.
"I'm here to see Mr. Gregory Harrington," Travis replied confidently, his tone polite but firm. "My name is Travis O'Neil. I was sent by Master Chen of the Rocky Mountain Monastery."
The gatekeeper raised an eyebrow. "Master Chen? Never heard of him. Are you sure you're at the right place? This isn't a shelter, you know." The old man teased.
Travis suppressed a sigh and smiled, he knew this would be difficult. "I'm not here for charity. Mr. Harrington sent a letter to my master requesting my presence. I'm here to fulfil that request."
The gatekeeper eyed him skeptically again but opened the gate nonetheless but calls the house to report his arrival. Travis walked the road in awe of how big the estate was before reaching the front of the mansion, where he met two more guards.
The two guards looked at each other, Travis had definitely fit the description called in earlier, "This guy says he's here to see the boss. What do you think?"
One of the guards, in a black suit, chuckled. "A monk? Here? If you're looking for a donation, you'll have to come back on Saturday. That's when Mr. Harrington gives to the needy."
Travis clenched his jaw but kept his voice even. "I'm not here for charity. I was specifically asked to come."
The guards exchanged glances before one of them stepped closer, his face twisted into a mocking smile. "Listen, kid. I don't know what kind of joke you're trying to pull, but you don't belong here. This is private property, and unless you've got proof, you'd better turn around and leave before you get yourself into trouble."
Travis took a deep breath, reminding himself of his master's teachings. Patience. Calmness. Control. "I'm telling the truth. If you let me speak to Mr. Harrington, he'll confirm it."
The guards weren't convinced. "You? Speak to Mr. Harrington? You're kidding, right?" One of them laughed, pulling out a few bills from his pocket and shoving them into Travis's hand. "Here. Go buy yourself something to eat. You look like you need it more than we do."
The disrespect stung more than Travis cared to admit. He had endured years of harsh training, isolation, and self-discipline and wasn't used to being treated like a beggar. He was taught to remain calm in the face of adversity, but his patience was wearing thin. His grip tightened around the crumpled bills.
Travis's thoughts raced, and for a moment, he considered retaliating, knowing he could easily disarm the guards, he would prove to them that he was no beggar, but the words of Master Chen echoed in his mind: "You must remain calm. The city is full of people who do not understand our ways. You are there to protect, not to fight."
Taking a deep breath, Travis returned the money to the guard's pocket, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder. "You look scrawny, seems you might need this more than me after all," Travis said, his voice steady.
The guard's smile faded, replaced by a look of confusion and anger. He moved forward aggressively, placing a hand on Travis's shoulder, but before he could do anything more, Travis moved. Swiftly and with precision, he grabbed the guard's wrist, twisted it behind his back, and pushed him down with a controlled force.
The other guard barely had time to react before Travis shifted his stance, pushing him back with a simple yet effective maneuver. Both guards stumbled, caught off balance by the speed and grace of Travis's movements.
"That's enough!" a voice called out.
Travis froze, his heart pounding as more guards began to emerge from the estate, forming a small group in front of the mansion. Travis had counted at least a dozen of them, all advancing toward him with a mix of surprise and hostility in their eyes.
Realizing the situation was escalating, Travis raised his hands in surrender. "I don't want trouble. I'm here on a request from Mr. Harrington. I just want to speak with him."
The lead guard sneered. "You think you can waltz in here and start attacking people? We're going to teach you a lesson, monk or not."
Travis braced himself, ready for the inevitable confrontation. He had no intention of seriously hurting anyone, but he wasn't going to back down either. His training had prepared him for moments like this.
Just as the first guard lunged at him, a powerful voice cut through the tension.
"Enough! Stand down, all of you!"
The guards stopped in their tracks, straightening up immediately. Travis turned to see a tall, imposing man approaching, flanked by two well-dressed bodyguards. His presence commanded attention, and the guards, who moments ago had been ready to fight, quickly stepped aside to allow him through.
"Mr. Harrington?" Travis asked, his voice low.
Gregory Harrington, CEO of one of the largest conglomerates in the country, studied Travis for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Who are you, and why are you beating up my security?"
Travis bowed slightly, recognizing the man he had come to serve. "My name is Travis O'Neil. I was sent by Master Chen of the Rocky Mountain Monastery. You requested my services, sir."
The Chairman expression softened slightly, recognition flickering in his eyes. "Travis O'Neil… the boy from the mountains." He nodded to his bodyguards, signalling them to stand down. "Come inside."
Travis followed Gregory into the grand mansion, leaving the stunned guards behind. The interior of the estate was as luxurious as he had expected—marble floors, towering ceilings, and priceless art adorning every wall. The air smelled of fresh flowers and expensive cologne.
Gregory led Travis to a large, private office, decorated in rich, dark wood and leather. He gestured for Travis to sit in one of the leather chairs while he settled behind a massive oak desk.
"Master Chen speaks highly of you," Gregory began, leaning back in his chair. "I've been supporting his monastery for years and when he wrote to me and told me about you, I knew you'd be the perfect person for the job."
Travis sat up straighter. "Thank you, sir. I am ready to serve."
Gregory nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm sure you've been told that I'm in need of someone with your… skills. But I'm afraid I won't be the one you're protecting."
Travis frowned. "I don't understand."
Gregory leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "The person you'll be guarding is my daughter, Amanda. She's a student at Columbia University, and while she doesn't think she needs a bodyguard, I disagree. There have been… threats. Dangerous ones and I need someone who can keep her safe without drawing too much attention."
Travis felt a knot form in his stomach, protecting a billionaire's daughter in the heart of New York City was not what he had envisioned when he left the monastery. But this was also a task Master Chen had entrusted to him, he would not fail.
"I understand, sir," Travis said, his voice steady.
Gregory glanced at his watch before standing. "Good. You'll meet her soon enough. She's... not the easiest person to deal with, but I'm sure you'll manage."
Before Travis could respond, the door burst open, and a young woman stormed in, her face flushed with frustration. She was dressed in the latest fashion, her hair perfectly styled, and her designer bag swinging by her side.
"Dad, I already told you I don't need a bodyguard," Amanda snapped, glaring at her father.
Gregory sighed but continued. "Amanda, this is Travis O'Neil. He'll be protecting you from now on."
Amanda's eyes flicked over Travis, her expression a mixture of annoyance and disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me. Him? He looks like he just walked out of a meditation retreat. I don't need a monk following me around campus."
Travis stood, bowing slightly. "Miss Harrington, I assure you—"
"I don't care who you are," Amanda interrupted raising her hand. "I don't need a bodyguard, and I certainly don't need you."
Gregory pinched the bridge of his nose. "Amanda, enough. We've talked about this. You're not safe. Travis O'Neil is here to ensure nothing happens to you."
Amanda crossed her arms, her gaze never leaving Travis's. "Fine. But if he so much as gets in my way, he's gone."
Gregory shoots Travis a sympathetic look. "You'll be fine, Travis. Just... keep an eye on her."
Travis nodded, already feeling the weight of his new responsibility. He watched as Amanda turned on her heel and stormed out of the office, her frustration in each step she took.
As the door slammed behind her, Gregory sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "Good luck, Travis. You're going to need it."
Travis remained quiet, bowing once more before following Amanda out of the office. His new life had begun, and it was already proving to be far more challenging than anything he was expecting.
But no matter the difficulties ahead, he would fulfill his duty. He owed that much to Master Chen—and to the man who had saved his life all those years ago.