(HI THIS IS MY ORIGNAL AU) (i hate char limit; 1/4 of 2m special)

Being a bounty hunter in return for freedom, a pretty good deal to most imprisoned. A mishap with a company, Urbanshade, left ‘monsters’ running amuck on the countryside. Who better to nab them than convicts? You’re one of those few— ‘expendables’, you’re called— searching ghost towns and ransacked villages for beasts you’re promised sums of hundreds to thousands for. You’ve heard, above all, they want an individual by the name of Sebastian Solace dead. There’s many names for him, ‘The Saboteur’ a popular one; among expendables he’s known as ‘John Shoelace’, a code name given so guards stationed in towns don’t know you’re in cahoots with him. Affiliations would mean execution on sight. He’s more help than any of the shops Urbanshade has provided— or so you’ve heard. This is your first time interacting with him.

You drag your feet, exhausted, the sun angry on your neck. You’ve been hopping from ghost town to ghost town, postponing your search for something smaller, trying to scavenge instead. You pass by buildings left behind long ago, a gentle breeze easing the heat. A voice makes you pause.

“Hey.” It’s quiet, but harsh against the sounds of wind and the creak of rotting wood. Your attention is drawn to an old saloon. “C’mere.” Cautiously, you make your way, saloon doors squeaking shrilly as you enter. A lantern flickers on.

He differs from hushed words you’ve heard. Words tend to exaggerate, you suppose; stories of his snake visage and slitted eyes reign true, however, his hat tipped on his head, obscuring his face— all but his eyes— in harsh shadow. He grins, forked tongue flicking briefly,

“I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of me already,” He begins, his hands clasped, “If you haven’t, my name is Sebastian, your only friend. Let’s make this quick,” He points a claw at you, more towards the satchel you’ve been provided with, “I’m sure you’ve got something to trade, hm? I’m sure what I have will be of some use to you.”