I guess I should have seen it coming. If your time was up, there was no avoiding it. I only have myself to blame, but then again, I guess I was the best option. I was from Sinners Planet. A place that didn't allow sinners to die in peace. Somehow, I had been given a choice to prove myself, and now judgment awaits me. I wonder if I'd passed the test.
The very moment the bullet pierced my forehead, I honestly thought I was dead once and for all. Never did I think that I would end up here again at Sinners Planet, back in my dingy old cell. Listening to the bright red alarm clock annoyingly ticking on my bedside table. A tiny bed covered with pink linen and thick maroon curtains that blocked out the sun. The windows were barred just like any other prison, but this wasn't exactly a regular prison.
Sinner's planet, a place where punishments were doled out fairly according to the sins committed. If you think you could be exempted from your sins by confessing, you were badly mistaken. If you thought your sins could be dissolved if you visited a temple and prayed every day? You were wrong again. Who is to say karma wouldn't bite you in the balls? She is a female dog after all. An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth. A system that was way less lenient than the guy sitting in a booth. A place where you were given immortality, only to die again and again. Here's hoping that the sinner got that into their tiny little brain.
A place where bad things that you did to others will be done to you as you scream and yell,
unless you would rather slowly burn in hell.
A quick way to be rid of your sins,
It was a place where nobody wins.
An old tube television sat in front of her bed, its faulty wiring made it turn on by itself sometimes, or that's what she'd like to believe.
The screen turned on with a light fweeesh sound.
"We now interrupt you for a commercial break."
A rugged guy shaves and walks into a shower. He then gets dressed and sprays himself with Axxe body spray.
*Elevator music plays in the background*
A huge line of girls wait outside the door to his apartment, squealing.
"Axxe body spray,
Girls can smell it from miles away."
"Order now to get free shipping and as a bonus, you'll get three pieces of men's underwear in assorted colors made with 100% eco-friendly and breathable fabric."
*Commercial ends*
Sinner's planet wasn't half bad, even if it was full of criminals. She had learned a lot during her time here. There was a lot of ridiculous stuff, just like the comics she had picked up, and she kinda of missed it a little. The punishments were harsh, and most criminals rarely broke the rules in fear of it. You were still allowed to go out into the city, but there were curfews, and breaking them was out of the question.
A tiny little planet for criminals. Some chose to stay after finishing their sentences, while some left. Special cases like me were given second chances to redeem ourselves. Besides, the executioner assigned to me was literal eye candy.
I must confess, my imagination runs wild at times, but what can a girl do? My two favorite lead actors in the yaoi fantasy world that I've woven in my head were the Executioner and GK. They looked good together, and imagine all the things I could come up with if I were an artist. I regret not taking art classes.
Speaking of GK, I hope they're ok. I hope Cecil is ok.
***
Ravenhide
Blaze's body had vanished without a trace. Cecil was confused, and so was everyone else.
"What happened to her? "he asked, glancing over at GK.
"No idea, but we have to get out of here before reinforcements arrive." Rika, who was back to her human form, covered herself up with a cloak that she brought.
"I know a secret route, let's go."
The gunshot wound to her belly had healed up nicely. Even she was amazed at the speed of her recovery. She beckoned them to follow her. Sirens could be heard outside, and there was no time to waste. Blaze had vanished. The reptilian woman, Lyzz, was dead. Belial had killed her without much effort.
"I don't think we can go back to our homes. We should find someplace to hide."
Cecil, who was still sobbing, spoke softly. GK patted the boy's head and replied:
"It'll be ok, we just need to make it to the middle district, hide for a while, and then we can ask Kepp for help." Cecil nodded in agreement, and together they made their way into the surrounding woods led by Rika. She seemed to know her way around Ravenhide very well, and they were grateful to have someone like her around.
"I know someone who might be able to help us. He lives in a small cabin in the woods right next to the border of the lower districts," Rika suggested.
"Aren't the lower districts dangerous?" Cecil asked worriedly.
"During the night, yes, but no one dares to go to his cabin except children. He loves kids, plus he's a war veteran."
"Uhh…., he loves kids? Somehow that doesn't sound very..…"
"It's not what you think." She cut GK off before he could finish. "He's a storyteller who usually comes to the middle district twice a week to tell stories to children. They sit around the campfire in the evenings and listen to his amazing stories. It's usually war stories. Sometimes he sings, and sometimes he recites poetry. I think you'll love him."
They made their way deeper into the woods. The crunch of dried autumn leaves and twigs under his boot felt like deja vu. It was a calming feel, as the chill evening breeze brushed against his cheeks and the light buzz of fireflies zooming in and out of view. The sky darkened as they kept walking. In the distance, they could make out a red paper lantern hanging from a tree.
"We're here, guys," Rika said, turning towards them. Cecil was a little frightful, especially after everything that had happened. He glanced up at GK, seeking reassurance. GK took the boy's hand and said, "It'll be fine, If anything happens, you just run ok? Run and don't look back. Just get to the guild."
The boy nodded, and they followed Rika hand in hand towards the cabin. GK was trying his best not to blame himself for what happened to Blaze, but it was extremely difficult. In the back of his head, all he could think about was revenge, about putting a bullet through that sniper's skull. No, that would be too merciful. Perhaps making him suffer a little. He knew that revenge wasn't the answer. He had no right to pass judgment on others, a sage's advice from his Master.
As they got closer to the cabin, a mouth-watering aroma wafted towards them. The scent of freshly baked goods mixed with a light fragrance of spices. Without a doubt, everyone was hungry, and GK hadn't eaten for more than a day. Rika sprinted towards the cabin and was welcomed by an old, slouching, partially bald gentleman. He used a wooden cane to walk, and he was also blind in his left eye.
He didn't look like much of a threat.
"Lucky bastards, Kepp dropped off some of his very own mouthwatering delicacies just moments ago. The old man muttered with a smile."
"Kepp came all the way here by himself?" GK asked, surprised.
"He is one of the very few that I trust. One of the few who know about this place.
He seemed worried. Did something happen?" The old man was curious.
GK and Cecil both looked down, and the old man beckoned them to come in. It was a rather tiny but cozy little cabin. The wooden interior was dimly lit by paper lanterns. A big, worn-out yellow couch sat in the middle of the tiny living room, surrounded by bookshelves filled with old books. An oil lamp was set in the center of the circular dining table, a fireplace on its right.
It was a simple and basic structure. A living room, dining area, and a kitchen with an outdoor bathroom. Comfortable for a single person or maybe two. There was no electricity, and the plumbing was poor. GK felt a little unsettled despite the magnificent feast that Rika had set before them. The old man didn't seem suspicious at a glance, but he kept looking over at GK, which made him uneasy. The vibes he was getting from the storyteller were those of a lovesick teenager, and he didn't know what to make of that.
Upon the rough and battered wooden table was a feast fit for kings. A white frosted blueberry sponge cake, garlic bread, mushroom soup, apple plumrose cupcakes that smelled divine, sweet and sour pork curry, lemon and spice roasted chicken, mixed vegetables in a silky cream sauce, and a spicy tomato gravy for the potato wedges and fried seafood platter.
He had also prepared a jug of honey plumrose blossom tea. Kepp sure loved his plumrose, and no one was complaining because it went with everything. They ate until they couldn't eat anymore, and once everyone was satisfied, the old man proposed a storytelling session.
"How about a good bedtime story?"
All GK wanted was some much-needed sleep, but he obliged because it would be rude otherwise. He could barely keep his eyes open, and every time he made eye contact with the old man, he couldn't help but notice the awkward admiration. The lack of rest made him agitated, and he could contain his curiosity no longer. It kinda pissed him off so he accidentally blurted out what he was thinking without sounding too rude.
"Is there something on my face Sir?"
That still sounded pretty rude, but GK was too tired for pleasantries at the moment.
"Nothing, you just remind me of someone. The focus of most of my stories and songs."
Everyone gathered around the living room as the old man cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry, my name is Colin, by the way but people just call me The Storyteller."
"Let me sing you a song,
About a woman, my heart once longed,
Sylvia Ravenhide, a warrior so bold,
A radiant smile and a heart of gold.
Sylvia my love, why are you so cold?
A one-sided love, a story untold.
A maiden so brave, strong, and fair,
She never once glanced at me, neither did she care,
Never once did she return my longing stare.
My heart ached, my feelings laid bare,
It was nothing but a one-sided affair.
Sylvia my love, why are you so cold?
Now I sit here alone, wrinkled and old."
"You know Mr. Colin; I think we've cried enough for one day," GK spoke up as Cecil giggled.
"Did Sylvia ever find love?" Rika asked, genuinely curious.
"Unfortunately, no, not that I know of. She lived and died fighting for the people. She didn't have time for anything else. Many potential suitors, yet all were rejected. She sacrificed her life fighting for Ravenhide. I was lucky enough to survive and spread her tale."
The old man now doubted his own stories. Maybe Sylvia had kids he didn't know of. He had never seen her with any man before, but after taking a close look at GK he was now doubtful. The beautiful and rare amber eyes reminded him of the magnificent sunsets that he used to enjoy. The second thing he fell in love with, next to her selfless and giving personality. He had never met someone so kind yet fierce, gentle yet driven, humble yet merciless. Only he knew who killed her; people thought she died on the battlefield, but only he knew the truth.
"So you knew Sylvia personally? Did you fight in the war together? GK asked, curiosity peaking."
"I thought I did. I loved her, but she was a leader, while I was just a regular soldier. All I could do was gawk."
GK wanted to ask more, but he was tired and so was everyone else. He figured he'd ask more questions tomorrow.