The Beach

Ryven walked down the beach. He had started walking away from the Manor on Huola's 7th planet nearly an hour before. He had his boots in hand, the sand oozing between his toes as the surf washed over his feet. He was constantly amazed at the beauty of this planet.

His thoughts drifted over the years of his life up to this point. He had come a long way from being a rowdy orphan with naught but a first name. So much of his life had been spent on pointless bloodshed. He wondered if he had finally begun to atone. Sure, he was still a killer. Thousands died every week at his hands. But he wasn't in it for profit or even enjoyment anymore. Now, he fought for the cause of his God. And unlike in the past, he now felt the awful gravity of every soul he sent to the beyond. Now he had a conscience. The evil of the Haijikiotens was beginning to wash clean.

Then there was his latest trouble, one that nagged him constantly. He had lost one love for the love of another. Shalee. Why couldn't he love someone more attainable? Further, Tigerfish, her fiance, was bound to exact some sort of vengeance. She had told Tiger, of course. It was the right thing to do. But, where did that leave him? Alone, still, even though he had spent several wonderful evenings with her, he was still alone, and now with an axe dangling over his neck. He had really gotten himself into the shit this time. What could he do, though? You don't choose what your heart desires.

And then Leela. He hadn't seen her in weeks other than the curt chatter over comms when she cyno'd him into Kamela in his newest acquisition. That had been a very short and terse discussion limited only to essential information.

He was running a gamble for love, and the stakes were his two closest friends and loves of his life. Ryven sighed and gazed across the waves as the sun set on his troubles with no resolution in sight. The night would bring no solace, and the new day promised only the unknown.