Gilded day

  Within a hired gun hanger built on this planet Obsidian rests within his ship. The place isn’t very busy, only the staff populate the building. Obsidian uses the remaining night to research the potential threats on this planet. The revolutionaries in this galaxy are called Wild Game. They seem to favor strong guerilla tactics involving explosive sabotage. Keeping this in mind Obsidian finds out the Revoltor commander in this zone is named Heibarn Smith, he’s famous for his destructive punches, especially back in the black conquest. Obsidian wraps up research and teleports out, to continue investing the planet.

  The next day, Para Dorado request Obsidian follow him to his personal docking port. Obsidian, Dorado and a bunch of his men arrive at the port, where a group of men and mechanics are working on the shuttle that will be escorting the lord off world. The supervisor there greets the entourage. He gives a run down on activity in the area.

  “Greeting my lord, me and the boys are still modifying the ship to have the weaponry, and other modifications requested.”

  “Very good. This large fellow is Obsidian, he is the page hunter I hired for the week, he requested to inspect the premises himself. Be good to him, and he’ll be good to you.” Dorado side eyes Obsidian.

  Obsidian doesn’t say anything and just walks past the supervisor and stands in front of the ship. From his perspective he scans the area with his spacial awareness, exploring every inch of the dock, like looking at a massive blueprint of the massive port. His search extends past the floor, and into the lower levels of the port, even down into the underbelly and the sewers. He finds there’s tunnels below the port; he plans on going there after he’s done with the surface. After 2 hours of thorough searching, Obsidian vows that the port is safe. As Mr. Dorado tells his men they’re going to take their leave, Obsidian senses some unusual movements.

  Suspicious man: “Sir, I’ve spotted the monster that took out Lieutenant Ire. Cracker was right, it’s a hired gun. Taller than an average Empyrean, further appearances: 10ft at least, braided long ponytail, all black attire, long coat – wait – gray skin, goggles. He’s quite intimidating.”

  Commander: “Thanks for the details, I’ll have some of my men take him out. That should free up Dorado. Get out of there for now.”

  The man looks away from the hanger and begins walking off but bumps into something solid. He looks up, to see the tall, dark, and evil figure he just described.

  “Shit.” He mumbles

  “You mind if I speak with that commander.” Obsidian asks

  The man starts booking it.

  “Commander, I’m compromised!” He frantically yells.

  “GET OUT OF THERE!!!” the commander screams fearing for his soldier.

  But the soldier doesn’t make it far, in a single lunge, Obsidian punches him into the ground. Obsidian drags the guy by the leg to the group.

  They restrain him and begin questioning.

  “Wake up.” The soldier is a little dazed, and see Obsidian crouched over him.

  “Oh God no!!! Please let me go!” The soldier struggles in his restraints. Eyes closed, too afraid to look at his captor

  “If you talk, I’ll let you go.” Obsidian says assuredly

  Suddenly the captive is washed over with an intense rage.

  “Yeah, like you let Ire go!” The soldier says enraged

  “Who?” Obsidian tilts his head.

  “Our Lieutenant. The one you Murdered!” The soldier yells

  Obsidian stares at him for a bit.

  “Can you be more specific.” He says genuine tone

  “You soulless bastard!”

  The man starts flailing.

  “he’s obviously doesn’t seem cooperative, Para, have your men detain him, and question him your way. One warning, they seem particularly resilient to torture.” Obsidian with the straightest face imaginable.

  Mr. Dorado looks at the flailing, screaming, man getting escorted and he looks back Obsidian, who’s still has that unflinching expression, and he realizes how actually insane his new *friend* is.

  “Uh, yes – um – hm, very well. I… I’ll let my men know. But we don’t really, do, torture.” He says in very concerned tone.

  “Alright.” Obsidian doesn’t pick up on this.

  After a while Obsidian teleports him and Dorado’s group to the mansion. Obsidian teleports them at the mansion doors. The men of Dorado split of, and Obsidian follows Dorado to Ms. Dorado. Once they find her, she comes with them to find Midas, who’s in his room studying to music. They walk into his room, getting his attention.

  “Hello, my boy, I’ve returned. Everything has been taken care of.” Mr. Dorado says joyfully

  Midas’ face lights up “Does that mean!”

  “Yes, we can finally spend some time together as a family.”

  Midas hops out of his bed and hugs his father.

  “It seems you have an agenda in mind. Mind running it by me.” Obsidian says

  “Ah that’s right, I never informed you.” Dorado stands up.

  “I will be taking my family out for some fun across the planet. We were born here you see, so thought it’d be great if we can take it all in one last time.”

  Obsidian twitches a bit. “So. You plan on leaving yourselves exposed, facing potential assassination… why?” He says making a confused face

  “Well, if you put it that way, it sounds worse than in actually is.” Para says.

  “Because it is.” Obsidian corrects

  “Come now mister, fathers been so busy lately, we never got any chances to have fun.” Midas says

  “Fun?” Obsidian eyebrows furl up, the goggles barely hiding his confusion

  “I know it must sound absurd, to someone who must fight for a living. One's life is always the priority in battle, I would know, I served in the great conquest myself. But one day, you’ll find that special person, and you’ll suddenly realize you’ve put someone else's life before your own.”

  Mr. Dorado says as he wraps an arm around his wife and pats the head of his son.

  “You may not understand now, and that’s fine, everyone discovers themselves at their own pace.” Mr. Dorado finishes his speech

  Obsidian stares at the family, his brain is processing the information he’s just heard.

  //Put someone life, above my own? that's so stupid// He thinks to himself

  “My apologies, I must have irritated you with my rants, forgive me. Regardless, if me and my family put you in unnecessary danger, you may cancel anytime. I am more than capable in protecting my own family.” Dorado says with a smile.

  At some point Obsidian ceased rationalizing the scenario and attempting to understand the Dorado’s. He decides to completely forget this conversation, and just go along with his employer wishes.

  Obsidian sighs. “No sir, it won’t be a problem.”

  “Ahh, I’m pleased. I won’t lie I had my doubts, but you are a good man.” Dorado bows his head

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “As my husband said, you may leave whenever you wish. We will reward you based on your time spent and labor exerted.” Ms. Dorado offers as she and Midas prepare for their family excursion.

  “No, need. I’ll see it through” Obsidian declines.

  “I’m grateful for your kindness.” She bows her head.

  “Thank you, mister, I'm in your debt.” Midas adorably does a full bow.

  Obsidian walks off as the family get their things ready. Obsidian sits down in a living room and watches whatever channel the tv is currently on. Something about a rise in criminal syndicates but who cares the news is garbage anyway. Obsidian starts spacing out as he tends to pass the time doing. He thoughts dwell on Dorado’s words. // You’re a good man? What does that mean? // Obsidian thinks.

  Phrases sound in his mind: //it’s the white demons! The devil’s soldiers, their gonna tear right through us! You’re an afront to every God there is. Soulless bastard//.

  Obsidian starts chuckling to himself.

  The next day, the family gathers their luggage in the living room. They pack modestly only the necessary items: clothes, toothbrushes, towels. Only the essentials, except for Midas who packs a game or two. Once everyone is ready, they all leave, taking the family jeep and the family begins their week-long fun time, plus their new friend Obsidian. Their first stop is an amusement park. They walk right past the check in desk, as VIPs, but Obsidian gets stopped. After the greenlight, Obsidian is let in, with a VIP pass. For around 30min, Obsidian watches the family have fun, while he zones out on a bench. At some point Midas notices Obsidian seemingly not having fun. He runs up to him.

  “Hey mister! Huff – why do you just sitting there.” Midas asks a little out of breath

  “I’m watching the premises.” He answers.

  “How while you’re staring at… well, I can’t tell, where are you looking.” He says as he hops

  up the bench to wave a hand in his face.

  Obsidian stops Midas’ waving with a finger. “I'm surveying movement in this area. It’s one of my techniques. “He explains

  “Whoa, quite impressive.” Midas sits down.

  “But you should be having fun too.” He says as he splays his arms in a gesture.

  “I’m doing my job. There’s no *fun* to be had.” Obsidian says coldly

  “That’s right my boy, let him do what he came to do.” Para approaches, with two ice cream cones. He hands one to his son.

  “Speaking of, would you like a cone sir.” He asks Obsidian

  “I'm good.” He says bluntly

  “Suit yourself.” Dorado begins enjoying the ice-cream, handing one to Midas

  “Alright mister, but one more question. Do you need to focus to use this surveying ability.” Midas tries for the last time.

  “I’ve automated it, but it’s more efficient if I stay still. Right now, I can sense the entire park, and the surrounding cities. I could search further, but it shouldn’t be necessary” Obsidian explains.

  Midas and Para are very impressed and start applauding. Then something clicks in Midas’ mind.

  “Well as you said, it shouldn’t be necessary to look so far out. How much does it lessen if you preoccupy yourself,” Midas asks.

  Obsidian thinks for a moment.

  “Around 300 meters, depending on what I'm doing.” He answers.

  Midas is shocked about the range Obsidian’s abilities possess, but that only confirms his decision.

  “Then surely if you enjoy the activities, it will only narrowly dampen your prowess. So please do join us. Won’t you.” Midas says with the brightest smile.

  Obsidian stares at Midas.

  “Alright.” Obsidian stands up, resigning to Midas spoiled request.

  Midas lights as he hops of the bench and ushers Obsidian to follow him.

  “My apologies, he can be quite stubborn.” Mr. Dorado apologizes out of courtesy.

  “No need sir, it hasn’t bother me yet. Your son, he reminds of someone I know.” Obsidian reminisces

  “Oh, pray tell. You mind telling of this person.” Dorado queries

  Obsidian smirk fades almost instantly. “No.”

  “Oh, my apologies.” Dorado is a little stunned from the abruptness of Obsidian’s reply

  Putting it aside, the Dorado’s successfully invite Obsidian on the family fun time. They catch Ms. Dorado planning a shooting mini game. She hits a perfect bullseye on the highest valued target three times in a row. Obsidian is impressed, apparently Ms. Dorado was an excellent marksman in her past. She offers Obsidian a chance, but he turns it down. He thinks it’s too easy. But after some nudging, he begrudgingly tries out the game. As expected, he aces the game, while firing from the hip. “Is this fun?” He asks with sincerity. The family laughs. Obsidian is given a plush version of Para Dorado. Which he gives to Midas; he seemed to like it more than Obsidian did. Mr. Dorado plays a hammer game. With a quick swing he reaches the max score, then he offers it to Obsidian. Obsidian stares at it for a bit, before raising the hammer. Obsidian brings down the hammer, where he accurately hits the bell with the maximum amount force it can take, also getting a high score. The family applauds. “I still don’t get it. How’s this *fun*.” Obsidian says

  “Let's go on some rides!” Midas says excitedly.

  Obsidian and Midas, go on a couple amusement rides. They would go on five rides; the first four didn’t excite Obsidian in the slightest. That when Midas got annoyed and took Obsidians lack of enjoyment as a challenge. He would take Obsidian on the biggest Rollercoaster on the planet, a staggering 150 meters tall, with loops and gap and the whole nine yards. Once they got off, Midas was shaking. He found hard to stand and hand terrible motion sickness. But when he looked up, he saw Obsidian was smirking. Suddenly that terrifying experience was worth it.

  Midas celebrates the success with family photos. He takes a picture with his parents. After that, they take one with Obsidian in it; who was very uncomfortable. Then Midas wanted one with just Obsidian. Before they took the picture Midas told him to smile. Midas assumed Obsidian would have a normal average smile, even if it’s a little forced. But after looking at the picture, Midas’ face said a lot, let’s just say he let Obsidian keep that one. The family had their fill of the amusement park and was ready to go to the next city over. But before they do, Obsidian had disappeared. They must wait for about 10 minutes before he comes back.

  “May I ask, what took so long.” Mr. Dorado asks.

  “Spy. Handled it.” Obsidian summarizes

  “I see, may I ask what you did with them. Can I see them.” Para asks

  “No point, they’re Dead now.” Obsidian says bluntly

  Para has a surprised expression.

  “I see, a believer in the *no prisoners* line of thinking.” Para describes

  “When they refuse interrogation, it leaves me little choice.” Obsidian explains flatly.

  “Well then, out of sight, out of mind. Let us carry on.” They all enter the family jeep and ride off.

  Day two, the family stops at a very fancy restaurant, the best on the planet. The family get an isolated VIP suite. As the family waits, for their orders, Obsidian watches the chefs. Nothing seems out of the ordinary so when the orders are brought out Obsidian sits with the family. The Dorado’s all have extravagant, expensive meals. However, Obsidian sticks to a pint of booze, and a single burrito. The table Is quiet, enjoying the serene jazz in the suite. Although Midas looks like he has something on his mind. He strikes up a conversation.

  “Hey, Mister,” Midas seems curious about something.

  “What?” Obsidian responds

  “I’ve brought this up before, but I'm still curious. What is your arsenal, what gear do you use, for example what is your ship.”

  “My ship?” Obsidian says intrigued

  “Hmm, I too am curious. Mr. Para chimes in wiping food from his mouth. “I heard every page hunter needs a ship, so I presume you have one. However, I didn’t see one at the port.”

  Obsidian pauses a bit

  “It’s called the Deadspear. It’s a modified Empyrean void strider.” Obsidian answers.

  “Oh my, that’s a fancy model.” Ms. Dorado says sounding impressed. “How much was it.” She inquires

  Obsidian scoffs

  “You think I bought it?”

  “Oh my.” Ms. Dorado gasps

  “Hmm, I can’t say I'm surprised.” Mr. Dorado adds

  “Whoa. Was it difficult.” Midas intrigues

  “Midas, let’s not glorify thieving.”

  “My apologies, father.”

  “It was easy.” Obsidian answers

  “I expected nothing less.” Midas compliments

  The Dorado’s just sigh.

  The family finish dinner and tip the waiter. They leave the restaurant, and stop at nearby royal hotel

  The family checks in to the hotel, however Obsidian has disappeared. They check him in just in case. Obsidian roams the golden cities of Umbra, he grows a little tired of spending so much time with such an, optimistic, family. That kind of atmosphere is slowly draining him, you can hear it in his breathing. He walks into an open plaza; the street is filled with people with places to go. People take glances at him; he sticks out like a sore thumb due to his height. He looks up to see a massive telescreen. It plays an ad, although this time the ad influences Obsidian.

  “My beloved people of Gamma Bright. I have heard your cries; I understand that these *Revoltors* bring uncertain times. Now more than ever, we look for strength, for guidance. But do not fear; our King, the Pheonix King, the one who grasps it's all in the palm of his hand, entrusts the peace to his faithful and every loyal. Black knights!”

  Images of abstractly stylized portraits of the king’s knights appear behind the speaker, thirteen portraits.

  “Our beloved subjects, place all your faith in us, for we will protect everyone. From the filth and the heathens that oppose absolute order. Each one of you, are thought of; by us, and the king. Your beloved senator, Sou’wo Shine.”

  The ad ends with an automated voice approving the message, then it switches to a different ad.

  Obsidian notices a crowd dissipate from watching the ad. A vein pops on Obsidians forehead, and he grimaces. For some reason that man, Sou’wo, has him steaming in fury; but he sighs heavily and carries on.

  After some more walking cools Obsidian down, he spots the local casino. He decides it’d be a great time to fish for information; gamblers and drunks have loose lips, everyone knows this. Obsidian enters the casino. They ask Obsidian for his ID and if he’s unarmed. He shows his H.G.A registration and he is in fact unarmed. He’s let in and he hops about a few games. Blackjack, some lottery machines, and some native game where you must guess the weight of a stack of gold; Goldsden.

  At that point no one had been having a cohesive conversation, all focused on the gamble. So, Obsidian does one more stop at a poker table. Luck be on his side some phoenix order warriors are gambling their saving away. Obsidian over-hears them gossiping.

  Callous Warrior: “Things have been getting a little to activate in the universe.”

  Retrospective Warrior: “I know what you mean. Just in the last 50 universal years, Remnants of the UXR have formed a new militia, and the hired guns have been a lot more active, for better and worse.”

  Callous Warrior: “yeah, those retards, the Unified Revoltors, have been slipping through the cracks for too long now. Have you heard, Criminal syndicates have started popping out of the steelworks too; just recently the two criminal syndicates have started a conflict in Great Smolder. What are the times coming too.”

  Retrospective Warrior: “I fear for it myself, I heard they started hounding Quasar the Dragon to start looking into the Syndies.”

  Callous Warrior: “he better be. That no good black knight thinks he can just eat his days away, that bloated belly bastard. It’s his sector in the first place dammit.”

  Retrospective Warrior: “ph-woo, if you got a problem with Quasar, better not let any of his Magmen hear that.”

  Callous Warrior: “Whatever. Those guys are chumps, compared me and my boys under the great Zylazar. Their nothing.”

  A series of groans and sounds of frustration is heard, as the man in black wins another bid.

  Retrospective Warrior: “that guy’s good. He reminds me, of that *black demon* Obsidian Praw.”

  Callous Warrior: “that up-start, I heard of em. He’s been making a real mess of things. Apparently, he might have classified information, so he’s starting to become a wanted man. I heard even the legendary Poltergeist Zero is after him.”

  Obsidian perks up at the name.

  Retrospective Warrior: “oh shit, seriously. Oh, he’s done for then. No one escapes Marshal Zero. I heard he slaughtered and entire city of revolutionaries in 5 seconds.”

  Callous Warrior: “alright, now your bullshiting.”

  Retrospective Warrior: “I'm serious, he’s a dangerous man. I saw him once.”

  Callous Warrior: “oh yea?”

  Retrospective Warrior: “yeah! The War Chief had my legion single file, while we waited for his arrival. When he came down the line, we all saluted, and it felt he sucked the air from the entire area, I swear I couldn’t breathe.”

  Callous Warrior: “I think your just talking good cause he’s the leader of the black knights. But that’s neither here nor there. Although I do know one thing. I heard Zero was one of the Whiteknights.”

  Retrospective Warrior: “really, you heard that. I did hear that he never retired. It does make sense; those guys were terrifying back in the black conquest. I never figured out why they stepped down. They didn’t even do the announcement in person; the king himself announced it.”

  “The White knights weren’t retired. They were replaced.”

  The gambling group the table is left stunned looking at the man in black, who had yet to speak a single word since being there.

  Retrospective Warrior: “what was that friend. Replaced?”

  Warrior 1 leans into his gossip buddy and whispers. “Doesn’t that fit the description of the Black Demon. He’s even got the blacked-out goggles.

  Just then Obsidian wins as the bid again, back-to-back, and he takes his leave. Leaving behind a bunch of frustrated men. When he exits the two warriors follow him, but when they get out the door, he’s nowhere to be seen. As Obsidian walks through the city, the warrior's conversation about, zero and the knights seem to have wrung out some old feelings from Obsidian. His breathing patterns are irregular, and he doesn’t pay attention to where he walks, bumping into unwitting pedestrians. He sits down on a bench and puts a hand to his forehead. He starts coughing, even though he took his dose earlier. Old memories start flowing back in. They overwhelm him, giving him a headache. The sound of static deafens him, and it fades into black.

  “Brother, I have a question. If two armies converge on my squad's position, what should I do.” --- “Brother help me with something, the director wants me to lead a bombing, should I order the VT-2 to lead a carpet bombing. Or should I establish an artillery emplacement.” --- “Brother, I can’t decide, should I have seafood or ribs for dinner.”

  Two brothers who both bear the same unrecognizable faces. One constantly asking for the others opinion, who’s recognizable feature being a bright smile, and the other doesn’t express himself at all, yet his blurred static face bares a content smirk. But the good memories don’t last. His memories distort, the static grows loud the background drips with red. 11 figures stand behind his smiling brother. His mind glitches and now all the figures lay piled in a mound of bodies, his brother covered in blood.

  The static face of the smiling brother becomes a black void, with a cruel terrifying red pained expression

  “Brother… This grievous sin… you must… please... KILL ME!!!”

  Obsidian snaps back to reality and shakes and grabs his head. He hyperventilates as he calms down. His eyes glow with a fiery purple surrounding his goggles. His neck has glowing purple cracks. All of it goes away as he comes to his senses. He notices someone spying on him. When they caught his attention, they fled. Obsidian decides this is a worthy distraction. Obsidian follows the person throughout the alleyway. They lead him down below the city. Obsidian follows and finds himself in an underground room. The doors close behind him, trapping him and he’s surround by wild game soldiers. “Commander, we got him surrounded. We’ll make him pay.”

  Obsidian takes a good look around him. “Thank god, I needed this.” He smiles devilishly and a surge of toxic, poisonous pressure fills the assumed trap, as Obsidian is engulfed in purple flame. A demonic face can be seen in the aura behind him, as he charges in