Time Paradox: Tales of a Bounty Hunter, #2

By Athena Stamelou

In a world where science fiction meets fantasy, the fate of the Universe rests on the shoulders of six people. With the last Time Lord held captive, Raven, Noemi, and Ramiel will need help in order to rescue him. From Astrid, who is dealing with an identity crisis, and Amora, who is mending her broken heart. But saving Novah won't be enough. Their strength is going to be tested as problems of the present are enhanced by threats in their past. Driven by Ramiel's ominous visions, Noemi and the others won't rest until the future is safe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Athena Stamelou
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223967330

Book preview

Chapter 1 - The Dark Side

Veloria

The underground tomb city was deadly quiet as the corpses of the Vampires moved quietly. Orb Zero had not been permitted to leave the planet both by Yokai and the demon that seemed to be pulling the strings. The scientist was a clever man and valued self-preservation above anything else. So he didn't see the point in angering any of the above. For that reason, he sat  in a quiet corner trying to make himself disappear inside the stone wall. He didn't speak, didn't breathe, he didn't make a sound. He hoped that, if a long time passed, they would forget about him.

Only a few meters away from Orb, Yokai was glaring at Minerva. The Vampire was sulking and that could not be hidden by the death-daggers he was throwing at the redhead witch with his eyes. While they waited, Minerva had taken a few books out and was researching. What? Orb had no specific idea. But the artifact he had been wanting was resting next to those books. If he had to guess, it'd be that she was looking for a way to make the artifact work. Not that she had been successful so far. And neither of them would be until they had the Time Lord and forced him to tell them.

I hate witches. Yokai snarled. They think they are so high and mighty.

Orb rolled his eyes and refrained from telling the Master of the Vampires that this was the pot calling the kettle black. A sigh left Minerva's lips. Orb Zero didn't need Yokai's super hearing to hear it. It was deliberately loud and obnoxious for it to be innocent. The scientist watched as Yokai clenched his jaw and then understood. The smug smirk that lifted on Minerva's face only confirmed his suspicion.

As I suspected. Nothing but incompetence in this damp.

With sour amusement, Orb watched as a vein popped on Yokai's forehead. "Incompetence?" the Vampire growled lowly.

Minerva's green eyes were fixed on him. Sharp and intense and transparent. She scanned Yokai as if she had x-ray vision. It only made her look all the more threatening.

I mean, my expectations were pretty low, to begin with. her attitude continued just as supercilious as before. But just the pathetic state of your library screams the ineptness of your race.

There was a blur and a breeze and the next thing they knew Yokai had Minerva crushed against the stone walls, hand wrapped tightly around her delicate neck.

"What did you say, little worm!?" he hissed, baring his fangs threateningly.

Unseen, Orb Zero rolled his eyes. If only he didn't need those two. The redhead Witch smirked sardonically despite her throat being crushed. She bared her own teeth at the Vampire and stuck her tongue out licking her lower lip.

Are you deaf as well as dumb?

There was no denying the triumph laced in her voice. Minerva had Yokai exactly where she wanted him, and like a fool, he fell right into her trap. The Vampire hissed out of control, fangs dripping saliva and eyes thirsty for her blood. It was surprising that it was Orb Zero's voice that stopped him inches from piercing her soft skin.

Wait! the command stilled him. Can't you see that this is what she wants?

His voice held monotonic boredom and apathy. Yokai couldn't decide if he hated it more than he hated the Witch.

"This is what I want."

Then you are a bigger moron than she had been claiming. he continued with the same tone.

Minerva fell into a feat of manic giggles, while Yokai's look darkened even more. Orb, whilst appearing calm, wondered if the Vampire wound decided to feast on him first before finishing the redhead. Perhaps he shouldn't have talked. He had been playing it safe until now. What possessed him to open his mouth?

He wouldn't find out the answer to either of those questions. Seconds later and he might have, but his skin was saved by another vampire bursting into the room.

Master! he bowed respectfully. He's here.

The 'he' the vampire was referring to was no mystery to anyone. And it intrigued all three individuals. Orb, who got up as fast as lightning, to Yokai who let go of the Witch's neck, and Minerva herself who placed herself in front of the Vampire with the aura of a leader.

Take me to him! she demanded as if she was the one running the place and not the tall dead guy who had wanted to eat her mere seconds ago.

The vampire turned and started leading the way. Whether he did it because Minerva had scared him or for any other reason, Orb couldn't be sure. What he was sure of, though, was the way Yokai's shoulders tensed. For a dead guy, he certainly showed a lot of emotion. Orb Zero followed the others before the Master of the Vampires could start arguing with Minerva again. Soon after, the footsteps he heard behind him made him smile. He could just picture the sullen look on Yokai's face.

The dungeons -that's where the vampire led them. He stood -shaking in his boots- outside the cell they had prepared for the Time Lord, but didn't make a move to look or step inside. Minerva gave him a look with her big, judging, green eyes and the vampire fled away as if she had sprinkled him with holy water.

The sight that awaited them inside was the body of a young man around the age of twenty-five. But if that was who they all were thinking, then there was a very old soul hiding in that youthful body.

Is this really him? Yokai's voice echoed in awe inside the dungeon.

No one replied to him. Not even the Time Lord himself. He just turned and stared at the Vampire with creepy pitch-black eyes. The demon inside growled but stayed silent nonetheless. Minerva was the one who confirmed it. She slowly lifted the stolen artifact towards the possessed body and gasped when it responded in her hand.

Oh, it's him! she announced in delight.

I trust that you won't screw it up from here on. the demon said firmly.

Don't worry, Yokai smirked. I'll get the answers out of him.

Like you've kept your other promises? Minerva snorted. Don't worry, my lord. she turned graciously to the demon. I'll work on a way to use the Key on my own. In case the Vampire proves himself worthless once again.

Orb saw another vein pop on Yokai's head. His hands clenched into fists and his fangs became visible from between his lips. He didn't threaten the Witch, however -he held himself.

You should be aware, though. The demon continued ignoring the spite between the two. He was with another Witch.

Minerva scoffed unimpressed. She won't be a problem. I was able to get the Key from right under her nose. she bragged.

Despite that, the demon insisted. We've all worked too hard to let our plans go awry because we underestimated a simple factor.

This made Minerva sigh. Of course. I'll put some protection wardings around the cell. No witch will be peeping on us any time soon.

With that last promise, the demon let Yokai and Orb Zero tie the Time Lord's body with chains that Minerva had enhanced with magic. Only then did it leave from inside his body, leaving the other three to deal with the real person inside.

Space

For three days Ramiel's visions haunted him.

For three days Raven had been recovering from her near-death experience.

For three days they had been arguing about their next move. Noemi and Grav wanted to return to Thelleirilia to investigate Novah's whereabouts, whereas he and Raven insisted on going to Earth to get Raven's magic book. They couldn't even put it to vote since they were equally matched.

So here they were...floating aimlessly in space until the fuel ran out. Noemi had taken on training -said it made her think clearly. And Grav was trying to replicate his teleportation device, but without his original patent, he was going around in circles. Raven was stuck in bed and she took her frustration out on the universal translator Grav had injected her with while she was still passed out. She kept pinching and poking her skin and in the end, Grav had to threaten to tie her hands if she didn't stop. As for him...well, visions were not the only thing invading Ramiel's mind.

Ramiel... the voice called inside his mind.

Ramiel closed his eyes and winced. They didn't leave him alone for long. Ever since he shuttered the wall inside his head, the other Gypsies had been calling out to him. It was one of the reasons he didn't want to return to Thelleirilia. Which was pretty hypocritical of him, since he was the one to make the deal with them. Only now that it was his time to pay up...Ramiel didn't want to. So instead, he had taken up a terrible habit in order to gain some clarity for hours upon hours. What that habit was? He was currently holding it in his hand as he made his way to visit Raven.

He found her still on bedrest sporting an unattractive frown. Okay, so he was lying through his teeth when he said it was unattractive. Anything Raven did was the exact opposite of that. Still, she looked unhappy and boiling with anger. She was writing or drawing on parchment. The force she applied on the pen was so strong that Ramiel wondered how she hadn't pierced it yet.

What are you doing? he asked, letting himself sit -well more like fall- beside her.

Raven chewed on her lower lip before replying. Trying to create a spell that would allow me to find Novah.

Ramiel's eyebrows shot up in amazement. You can do that?

In theory. Raven sighed. Not that I've been successful so far.

Well if anyone can do it, you can. he offered supportively.

Raven averted her eyes from the smudge she had drawn and smiled at him. You're so good to me, Ramiel. Thank you.

Ramiel...

He winced and closed his eyes before he knew what he was doing. Raven narrowed her eyes, frowning with a hint of concern.

What's the matter? the pen rolled off her finger and drew a drunk line across the page.

Headache. he lied.

She didn't look like she believed him. And her next words only confirmed it. Try again, she demanded. Perhaps the truth this time.

Ramiel sighed and sunk into the chair. The other Gypsies have been calling me. he made a point of pointing his index finger at his head.

It took a moment until realization hit Raven. Her eyebrows shot up, almost reaching her hairline.

Telepathically? She sounded like she wanted to make sure she had guessed right.

Yep. Ever since I broke the mental block in order to get to Thelleirilia to find Noemi and then find you, he confessed. And now they just won't leave me alone.

Guilt washed over Raven. It was her fault. Ramiel had told her that he was hiding from his people and now because of her he is in trouble. She chewed on her lower lip worriedly.

Sorry!, she wanted to say. Instead, something else came out. What do they want from you?

Ramiel didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a moment to turn around the perfect collection of words in his mind. She noticed and he noticed that she noticed it too. What a mess they were in?

Nothing I can give them, he said cryptically.

Well, can't you put the mental block back again?

Nope. he shook his head. One-time thing. Which is why I have this. He waved a measuring cup with a strange liquid inside."

Raven eyed it in disgust. What's that?

Cassapian Yammon. he said with no further explanation. He just downed it in one go and then made a sour face, when the liquid went down his throat.

Is that a potion?

It's a cocktail. Noemi's voice replied instead. But you can call it that too.

She stood smirking at them leaning on the side of the open infirmary door. Sweat covered her dark skin and her hair was damp. She had clearly just finished working out. Not that she did much else, to begin with.

You're getting drunk to avoid the voices in your head? Noemi didn't know if she should disapprove or be amused.

Ramiel rolled his eyes. I don't have another choice.

Everyone has choices. Whether we want to accept them or not...that's another matter.

When did you get so wise?

Noemi actually stood to think about it. Ha! she exclaimed, surprised. I don't know actually. She seemed impressed with herself for a moment, but then her expression changed. Besides the voices, have you seen anything about the Time Lord?

Silence fell when the question was asked and the room filled with tension. Ramiel swallowed hard and shook his head.

I haven't seen him. and if his voice was higher than usual none of the women noticed.

Noemi cursed behind her teeth and Raven's shoulders fell with disappointment. She glared at the smudged page in her lap as if it was the one that kidnapped Novah.

And I've got nowhere trying to come up with a spell to help us find him. If I had training... she spat disappointed with herself. I feel so useless.

We'll figure it out. Noemi tried to console her.

We don't have time. I need my book of magic now.

But her outburst only gained a glare from the Bounty Hunter. That way of thinking will only make you panic. And when you panic you make mistakes. And when you make mistakes it makes you a bad witch.

For the record, Raven looked gobsmacked after Noemi's scolding. I don't know if that was a pep talk or you just give bad ones.

Noemi sighed only half regretting yelling at the other woman. Look, all I'm saying is that we have time, but if we rush then we won't be able to help anyone.

I'm not sure about that. Ramiel's voice was soft and quiet, but they heard it anyway.

Both women turned to look at him. Raven in question, while Noemi narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Go on, they told him. Explain!

Ramiel licked his lips. I've had this vision, he started.

I just ASKED you! Noemi yelled before he could finish.

Her breathing turned ire and fast as if she had been running a marathon. Her eyes glared daggers at him. He thanked the Gods; they were only metaphorical.

It's not about Novah, he defended. Well...not directly. I think the vision showed me the future -one that keeps changing. One is a good one and the other is a very bad one. And I think whether or not we save Novah is going to decide which one comes true.

Witch and Bounty Hunter both stared at him motionless and speechless. Ramiel wondered if he had shocked her for life when Raven blinked and found her voice.

"I need my spell book now!"

Veloria

When Novah came to, he found himself in a dark unfamiliar place, chained up and cold. His vision was blurry for a moment, but as reality got set straight, he realized there was someone else with him in the dungeon.

Yokai smiled, showing proudly his sharp teeth. Novah made a face as he realized who his captor was. So the vampires had captured him after all. Hidden in the shadows, Orb Zero couldn't help but mirror the Time Lord's expression. A smiling vampire was a hideous sight.

So our precious guest has finally graced us with his presence. the mocking tone of Yokai's voice echoed in the dark dungeon.

Novah sent a glare at him, not that it was received in the way it was supposed to. So after all this time, you finally got what you wanted. Oh wait, you still don't have the Key.

It was a futile attempt to rile up his enemy and everyone down there knew it. Still, Novah needed the Vampire angry and not able to think clearly. However, Yokai only smiled bigger. It sent a shiver down Novah's spine. The Vampire looked as if he had just won the lottery.

And that's where you're wrong.

Yokai's face fell. Minerva had taken the words right out of his mouth. Yokai clenched his fists in anger. That damn Witch was always there to be a thorn at his side. Of course, the movement was not missed by the Time Lord. So, he noted it down for further exploration.

That little bit of victory, however, was short-lived. Because the next moment Minerva brought out the Key and his blood turned cold.

How does it work?! she demanded.

Like I'm going to tell you. he snorted, not impressed with her interrogation technique.

Minerva made a sour face. It was clear that she hated being denied, but then again, all the spoiled brats did the same.

Fine! Then make it work yourself.

Her second demand brought only laughter. And surprisingly it wasn't Novah -though he was very close to laughing himself- but Yokai.

Finally, something you are not good at.

It was clear in his voice that he enjoyed seeing her fail. After all the mocking and talking-down he had received from her, it was time to take his blood back. And revenge was always served cold. As cold as the dungeon they were in.

You don't know I've failed. she snapped at him.

He chuckled again. Fine. he made a mocking gesture for her to continue. Find out for yourself.

Minerva sighed, oh so lightly, and turned back to the Time Lord. Well?

No! he told her bluntly.

Yokai burst into another fit of laughter. "I see you're doing just great. he mocked her, pushing her aside. Let the professionals do their job."

Orb Zero wondered if Yokai's arrogance was going to turn around and bite him in the ass. It was not for him to tell him though. None of these people were his friends -hell they weren't even proper colleagues. Everyone was in for themselves and Orb was going to take advantage of everything those two were going to uncover for him.

Yokai stepped in front of the Time Lord and took his face between his fingers forcing him to stare into his eyes.

Tell me how to use the Key. he compelled him.

Novah blinked and then a small smirk spread in the corner of his mouth. Nah!

In the end, what goes around comes around. And as it happened, it was Minerva's time to giggle at the Vampire's failure.

I've warded this room against all types of magic, you moron. She enjoyed taunting him as much as he did.

Slowly, Yokai turned and glared at her. Then remove it. he hissed.

Minerva returned the look back to him. "If I do that, then he walks free."

That made him slow down. That's not optional, he mumbled.

I'd say so. her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Yokai sighed. Then he turned his gaze back to the Time Lord. And for some reason, Novah didn't find it comforting at all.

Then I guess it's time to practice some old tricks that have rusted a bit.

Novah gulped. Torture. That's what the Vampire meant. He was going to torture Novah for the answer. The smile found itself back on Yokai's face and Novah swallowed again. He wasn't going to tell them anything. At least, he hoped he could keep that vow.

In the meantime, I'm going to chase down some leads of my own. the Witch's voice came from behind Yokai. At my coven, I have a variety of books to help me figure out how to activate the Key. In case your attempts turn out to be futile...like everything else.

Do whatever you want. he spat without looking at her.

He wasn't going to let her know how much she got under his skin. If she wasn't protected, he'd have drained her of her blood a long time ago. The echoes of her high heels were the only indication that she walked away. Finally, the two of them were all alone. Or so they thought. Because Yokai had forgotten that Orb Zero was there too, comfortably hiding in the shadows. A silent observant.

Until he took a few steps and showed himself. Yokai turned his head and regarded him strangely.

What is it?

Orb took in the scene in front of him carefully. Silently, he slithered close to the Time Lord and only then took the time to truly observe the creature with the tremendous power.

I have a request, he said softly, while not taking his eyes off of Novah.

What?! Yokai grouched, eager to start the torture.

I'd like a vial of his blood.

Capturer and jailer both looked at him bewildered at his odd request. But alas, Yokai didn't want to waste any more time.

Fine. You'll have it by the end of the day. But not before I finish here.

Orb was not completely pleased with that reply, but he was not about to complain to a blood-thirsty vampire. So he nodded his head and tried to appear appreciative.

I'll be visiting you, he said almost like a promise to Novah and then he walked away and out of the dungeon. 

Chapter 2 -

When Things Go Awry

Earth

Being back on Earth was like a breath of fresh air. Ramiel could finally feel comfortable in his own skin. And wasn't that a big, ironic joke? The alien who liked to pretend to be human more than being his true self. Best comic book ever. Ramiel snorted at his own thoughts, but it only managed to draw a glare from Noemi.

He had got an earful back on the spaceship. Why didn't you tell us about your vision before?, the Bounty Hunter had yelled, wearing a very dark and disapproving expression. He hadn't known what to tell her. So he had simply shrugged, which in return only angered her even more. But it was not Noemi Ramiel was afraid of. It was Raven. The woman had been deadly quiet and Ramiel didn’t dare lay his eyes on her, afraid of what he might see.

Raven, however, was not angry. No, she was sad and disappointed - which was worse. She had not raised her voice at him, unlike Noemi, nor had she yelled at him. She just sat there, on her bed, and continued -unsuccessfully- to create a Time-Lord-seeking spell. But Raven lacked the experience and the skill to accomplish something only a few had been able to do.

And so, they waited until Grav piloted them safely back to Earth. He didn't come with them, though. Said that someone needed to stay back and take care of the spaceship and that he wouldn't be of any help, as he didn't know what to look for. Neither had objected to his thinking. And so, it was just the three of them. Ramiel's fingers were itching to activate the perception filter he was wearing when he appeared to be human. That itch was finally satisfied when they stepped out in the open.

Raven turned to Noemi frowning slightly. Why don't you need one of those?

The Bounty Hunter smirked at the Witch. Cause I have ‘camouflage’ written in my DNA, she told her smugly.

Not wanting to wait any longer, she started walking towards where she knew Raven's apartment was. Raven made a face and followed after her.

"What does that mean?" she demanded.

It means that every individual perceives my image however they are used to or are comfortable with.

Does that mean I see you as a black Amazon warrior ‘cause that's what I'm comfortable with?

Noemi glanced at her, arching an amused eyebrow. Seems like it, sister.

Huh, Raven exclaimed thoughtfully. Is that racist? Am I being racist when I perceive you that way?

Noemi sighed and paused to fix the Witch with a pointed look. I wouldn't know. We don't have such issues in Thelleirilia.

No, you just have demons and Ice Princesses coming after you, she mumbled to herself. Then suddenly, her eyes widened. "Wait a sec, do you know what you look like?"

Noemi sent her a dumb look. Of course. I look in the mirror. Raven's eyes widened even more and a smile sped across her face. No, I'm not telling you what I look like. she gasped exasperatedly and rushed to move.

That's some serious alien DNA. I'm not sure even magic spells can do that, she mumbled as she tried to keep up with her. What planet are you from?

I don't know.

Raven frowned. I thought you said you were from Thelleirilia.

I was raised there, but it's not where I'm from.

Do you know where she's from? Raven turned to Ramiel. He only shook his head negatively. Raven sighed. Maybe Novah knows where she's from.

We have to find him first. the Bounty Hunter reminded her.

Yes, there was that tiny detail. Which was why they were currently searching through her magic spell book. Well, when Ramiel said 'they' he meant more like 'Raven'...by herself.

I found it! the Witch exclaimed cheerfully.

Ramiel jerked in surprise. He glanced at Noemi only to find that the Bounty Hunter was stoic as a statue. She put her knife in her pocket and walked to where Raven was sitting. Ramiel followed but made sure to stand behind Raven and away from Noemi.

You remember the spell I did before, right? When we were trying to find Novah again? she addressed Ramiel.

He nodded his head. The one about finding your soulmate or something? he didn't sound completely sure.

But Raven was nodding excitedly. Exactly that. But...because that spell used a map and let's be honest, Novah could be anywhere in the Universe...

And we don't have maps of the entire Universe. Noemi pointed out following Raven's line of thought.

Exactly. she agreed. So, I had to find a way to modify the spell or find another one, she explained. I tried to modify it back at the spaceship and didn't have much luck. But I was able to find another one, which if I combine it with the first one, I think I will be able to get a location.

The other two