BioCore

Westside had always been a quieter part of the city. Streets were cobble, cracked on the curbsides, and littered with scraps of rusted metal between the stones. Living conditions were some of the poorest in the whole city, with beds made of thick springs and restrooms shared between dozens, which inturn, remained unclean for most of the year. 

For every three windows, one was broken, and for every block, at least four from the Guard were assigned to monitor that day. Westside took in residents with no prior home, but not by choice. The Guard had to keep the operations clean, as well as the ground they walked on. Any homeless or other unfortunate souls would be thrown into the crevasse of overpopulated buildings, rooms, and closets. 

Despite the environment, Westside had some of the best booze in the City. With every building weeping with malnourished wrongdoers, sat a bar or brothel as the foundation. Some required an entry fee, while some barely scraped by. The Bellowing Borg, however, was neither. 

The Borg, as commonly referred to, sat tightly in a small, cro4oked corner of Westside, behind the only twisted street and next to the vertical graveyard. Instead of using the earth to bury the deceased, the Guard constructed a vertical chamber-like structure to conceal rotting corpses; Easier to construct taller if needed, impossible to pay tributes from relatives and friends. 

"Stay close," Kage nudged Vaan on the shoulder as they stepped into the Borg. Hollow lights hung loosely from the ceiling, bouncing off the thick wooden shafts holding the place together. Chains warped around the chairs and tables scattered throughout the Borg, placed in what seemed like a random order, out of sync. The atmosphere inside resembled a morgue, one of a non-vertical nature. Faces drooped, alcohol was drunk, and silence crawled through every crack like insects searching for their next meal. 

This is how it was all meant to look. A shallow, innocent looking establishment that serves beverages with a place for periodic rest. However, behind the back doors, which are cleverly blended into the wall, and through the dark curtains at the end of the narrow walkway lies the true heart of the Borg. 

Kage pushed aside the curtains, Vaan keeping close behind him. A similar design as the original entrance paved the way for them, almost identical in nature. Except now, instead of drowsy looks and dull booze, the bar thrived with an unrenowned enlightenment. Dozens of interesting looking men and women huddled in groups around their respective tables, some missing an arm or a leg, replaced with mechanical tech buzzing at the point of where their joints would have been. 

Faces turned for the newcomers stepping into their respective territory, though most focused on Vaan rather than Kage. Despite the looks, the noise didn't seem to dwindle, if anything, the chatter grew, untraceable. 

"Why are they all looking at us?" Vaan whispered, nerves shuttering his voice. 

"Not at us," Kage said, "At you." 

"Wh—"

"Just keep quiet," Kage interrupted, tugging Vaan like a stray to keep behind him. 

The two walked cautiously towards the barkeep, pushing aside the empty stools for a safer approach. 

"Whad'ya want," The barkeep said in a rusty voice, glazing Vaan up and down in disgust. 

Vaan did the same, cringing at the giant belly staring back at him. The barkeep's unshaven neck stuck out like a black sheep, meshing with his lumpy chin. Wrinkles covered his face in curvy patterns, stretching from the squint in his eyes to the bushy patches of gray hair atop his ears. The bald spot on his head had only a freckle or two, along with some disfiguration of skin, and a thin scar with a swirly end. He wore a white-collared shirt tucked into his aging pants, the buttons barely keeping his stomach from bursting through. 

"A presence with Phenix," Kage answered. 

"How you know him?" barked the barkeep, "What for?"

"We have business to discuss."

The barkeep snarled, mimicking his chin towards Kage while glaring into the distance. "Get these two outta here," he ordered, and in moments, Kage and Vaan found themselves surrounded. 

Vaan, practically inside of Kage's cloak now, tugged on his shoulder, rapidly, eyes closed. "Y-you heard the m-man," Vaan stuttered, "best be going n-now."

"Nonsense," A stern voice pierced the tension, followed by slow, loud footsteps approaching from the shadows in the distance, "Why, you've made the far trip to this part of Westside. Best you stay and grab a drink, Mr. Kage." 

A man appeared before them, scattering the previous group like flies on a wall. He wore a snug red suit, cuffed at the sides, buttoned neatly in the middle, and a pair of thick dress shoes to match. His hair stuck tightly to his scalp, slicked back with a shiny gel, and sharp, masculine facial structure that surprisingly accompanied it perfectly. 

"I see you've taken care of the place well," Kage said sarcastically, "Phenix."

"And I see you're still finding trouble despite fighting against it," Phenix smiled, "Please, sit," He gestured to an empty table hidden in the back of the bar. "And you are?" He asked, narrowing his eyes on Vaan.

"Vaan, sir." 

Phenix laughed, "Looks like this one was taught manners." He waited a moment as if expecting Kage to laugh, then crossed his legs as he sat comfortably in the cushioned booth. "Now then, how may I be of service?"

"The Highrise Auction," said Kage, "Tell me everything you know."

Phoenix raised a brow, "Out of all people, you're the last I would expect to know nothing about it. It's quite the event."

"I have an item I want to auction off. How would I go about doing so?" 

Phoenix uncrossed his legs, leaning closer, resting his chin on the tips of his knuckles, "Oh? And what for?"

"That doesn't concern you."

Phoenix chuckled, "Oh, but it does! You see, there's a reason why auctions happen, Mr. Kage. Some happen for the bloodbath, and some are for mere profits for underground operations." Phoenix leaned in close, "To be clear, I don't take you as a benefactor for either option."

"Like I said," Kage said, monotone, "I have my reasons."

Phoenix stood up abruptly, "Then I believe our business is done here." He quickly fixed the creases and wrinkles in his suit, tugging at his collar, "I owe you no more favors Mr. Kage."

Kage clenched his fist, "The Windcutter."

With his back turned, Phenix smiled. 

"What do you know about him?"

Phenix sat back down, more relaxed this time, "Oh, so that's who you're after? Been a while since the Windcutter has shown. You must be dying to meet them," He laughed. "And what will you possibly bring to auction my dear old friend?"

"This," Kage said, placing his sickles neatly across the table.

Phenix's eyes shot out with glee, his pupils dilating at the sight before him. "My dearest apologies Mr. Kage, as I took you for a prideful man, but it seems here you've lost your sanity."

Kage ignored the remark, "Will this draw him out?"

Phenix laughed, "Mr. Kage, this won't just draw the Windcutter out of their hole, it will draw out every vile, scum, and criminal there is in the whole city."

"Perfect," said Kage. "How soon can you get this auction on the way?"

"I can organize, invite, and host the event, no, that won't be an issue at all. It's the boss man you have to worry about. All auctions must be approved by him."

"I don't have time for jokes, Phenix."

"Oh, but joking I'm not Mr. Kage. You see, the Guard doesn't bother interrupting these auctions. The more that die, the less work for them to do in the long run. However, they do investigate the winners, if they aren't careful. Most of the winnings have been pitiful lately," said Phenix, a flicker of annoyance in his voice. "Last week the damned prize pool was a bag of stale bread."

"Sounds pretty pointless," Vaan added. 

Kage and Phenix both gave Vaan a disapproving look, as if he wasn't allowed to speak. 

"You can ignore him," said Kage. 

"So I see," a thin line stretched across Phenix's face. "Your assistant in this manner?"

"Hardly the term."

Vaan gulped, quiet in his seat. 

"Doesn't matter," Phenix said, correcting his posture. "The Guard will most likely not get involved, despite such a high-value item. I will inform the King, and he will make sure the Guard stays away."

Kage's brow stiffened, "You don't mean?"

"Yes," Phenix smiled, "The boss man himself. He will undoubtedly approve this."

Vaan gulped, "The King of the Dustlands is in charge of this?"

After a slight pause from the two other men, Phenix answered the boy, "He's in charge of everything. Every gang, every bar, every human living in this hellhole."

"I don't understand," Vaan spoke up again. "I know he's the King, but why doesn't the guard just take over? And it doesn't seem like he cares at all about the Dustlands."

Phenix laughed, even louder this time, "Why would he? He's the most powerful man in the city. Trust me boy, they've tried to take him. All that remained was a pile of white and red at the gates the following morning. The Guard is patient, they can't suffer more losses at this time."

Vaan scooched back into his seat, head down. 

"You seem to know quite a lot about what's going on," Kage probed him. 

"I have my sources Mr. Kage, as do you. The announcement from our good friend Lukas confirmed my suspicions."

"What suspicions?"

"Mr. Kage," Phenix grinned, even wider. "Such an exchange of information will require a price."

"What do you want," Kage sighed. 

"The only thing I ever need: a favor, indebted from you until said favor is used. Now, before you raise flags of concern, I can assure you the information I provide is accurate, and incredibly useful for what circulates through that head of yours."

"How would you know what I want?"

"Your father went missing recently, did he not?"

Kage jumped from his chair, snagging Phenix's suit collar, pulling him to a breath's-length away, "How the hell do you know that?!"

"Now, now, Mr. Kage, I would be careful grabbing me in this establishment," Phenix said, flatly, as their table became surrounded within seconds. 

Kage glanced at the hooligans circling the table up and down, as if making a judgment call, then threw Phenix back into his seat. 

That's odd, Kage thought to himself. Phenix knows I can end his life in an instant, yet I didn't sense an ounce of fear from him. What a strange man…

Phenix waved a hand in the air, dismissing them, then adjusting his collar with an annoyed look. "Like I said, I have valuable information."

"You didn't answer my question."

"I will tell you everything I know, but you must meet my conditions," he stretched his hand out, which was covered by a dark leather glove. "A favor, to be used whenever I please, and in exchange, I will answer 3 questions. If a question is asked to which I have no answer to, you will be given 1 additional question. All questions must be asked during the same time interval, after the completion of the Highrise Auction."

"Why do we have to wait until after the auction?" Kage asked. 

"I want to make sure you survive for my favor."

Kage stood slowly, glanced at Vaan, then grabbed Phenix's hand. A sudden shock ran through Kage's chest, as if his nerves were all pricked with tiny needles all at the same time. He tried not to flinch, but couldn't help the feeling. 

"Excellent," Phenix claimed, excited. "I will arrange the auction for next week, 5 days from today, and arrive at sunset, oh yes."

"Arrive where?"

"At the tallest building in the Dustlands," Phenix said, "You'll find your way to the floor which you're destined to seek. Oh, and you'll have to leave the auctioned item with me."

"What—"

"That's how this auction works," Phenix cut him off. "I can't bend the rules."

Kage sighed, leaving the sickles at the table. "You best be right, Phenix."

"When have I ever been wrong?"

"One last thing, How's Ashton doing?"

Phenix looked puzzled for a moment, then chuckled, "Oh, that scumbag you sent to me? Don't make me laugh. After a few days of honest work, he tried robbing the place. Got away with a few bottles of liquor too. That is, until I found him, of course. Once a sinner, always a sinner."

"Shame. I had hopes for him," Kage replied, although his tone didn't sound convincing.

"Tell me, Mr. Kage, would you rather believe a comforting lie, or cling onto painful truths."

Kage sighed, grabbed Vaan, and left, "Sorry, I've reached my limit for riddles today."

…

Word spread like wildfire of the auction to come, as did the excitement for all the scrags and lurkers hanging around, patient for their taste in action. Soon, there wasn't a soul who hadn't heard the news of the unexpected event. 

Phenix was careful enough to withhold the information about the main prize until the day of, as to not catch the Guard's attention. However, backlash came quick as even scum that cared little about their lives wondered what they were signing up for. "A blade like no other. A prize worth dying for. An auction worth a lifetime," is how Phenix advertised it. "No currency other than your will to risk your life in the pit." 

Contestants, or rather participants, signed up as quickly as their heads could read the passage. Over the next coming days, hundreds of names filled Phenix's books, including the famous Windcutter, along with a few other well-known dangerous names.

The day before, Kage thought it would be a good idea to meet with Phenix and Vaan one last time. In the grand scheme of things, it was a good idea, since a thorough plan had not been previously discussed.

"I've already told you this," Phenix said, comfortable in his booth, "An auction needs to have a benefactor of sorts. You know, the one responsible for his charitable action of selling such a high-value item."

"Why can't you be that person?" Kage asked, curiosity biting his tongue.

"Mr. Kage, I don't need more problems on top of my head. I already have a trail of shade following me, and I don't require more at the moment."

"I can be that benefactor," Vaan raised his voice, loud enough for other tables to pause their drinking and take an extra unintended look at the commotion. 

Kage paused, actually considering this for a moment. "For the first time Vaan, something useful came out of that mouth of yours."

"Thank you?"

"A brilliant idea!" Phenix clapped, chuckling to himself. "I can already picture the story," He motioned an arch with his hands. "A child, left all alone after the disappearance of his family, stuck with an heirloom he has no need for. On the verge of—"

"We get it," Kage stopped him. "Vann will act as the supposed 'holder' of the item, and I will participate under a fake identity."

"Hardly anyone knows your true identity," Phenix gave him a melancholy look. 

"And I prefer to keep it that way."

"Do as you please, however, you should be careful who you identify yourself to. You never know who might be listening."

Kage frowned, "I get the point, Phenix, now tell me about the Pit."

"Ah yes, the Pit," Phenix started again, exasperating his voice for the purpose of the story. "Where death is like a—"

"Without the theatrics this time," Kage stopped him before he had a chance to display another performance of words.

Phenix scowled, reluctant at first, but gave in anyhow. "The Pit is where the high-stakes auctions happen. It's held on the 50th floor of the main tower. A simple circle, engulfed in a net of steel fencing, where onlookers can spectate, for a price of course. Once the auction starts, the two with the highest bid enter the Pit. This is where they negotiate, either through friendly or lethal terms. Either way, only one will leave as the auction's rising star."

"I don't understand," Kage asked. "If you intend for so many people to attend, how is everyone supposed to participate?"

"Ah" Phenix raised a finger, as if he'd just thought of the greatest idea he'd ever come up with. "That is the beauty of this specific auction and your generous donation for the winning prize. Since so many will participate, I have decided to make it more exciting."

"Great…"

"It's the only way to make it fair, and the only way to draw out your desired Windcutter."

"Hurry this up while I'm still listening."

"Yes, yes," Phenix kept his mischievous smirk tailored to his face. "The auction will happen in the form of a little tournament, or rather, a bracket of participant versus participant, until the last two remain."

"That's your master plan?" Both Kage and Vaan said simultaneously. 

"Why yes! Picture the excitement, the bravery, the ingenuity of the people! Now, before you raise your alarm bells, I will make sure that you will meet the Windcutter one way or another."

"How so?" Kage asked, annoyed. "Just put me with him in the first round and I'll be on my way."

"I'm afraid that would be impossible. You see—"

"Figured it was. Nothing is ever easy with you."

"You're not curious why?"

"Don't care," Kage looked at Vaan, then back at Phenix. "Anything else we should know?"

"You should be cautious Mr. Kage, there are strong folks that roam these streets. Ones even you will have a hard time dealing with."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Phenix waved them off, "I'll let your imagination run wild on that one."