Close Nemesis

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Prospects of a Life on Giurokaj

NYGYL:

After having stormed away from the house, I walked myself to a rusting bench inside a metal pergola located on the outskirts of the dusty town. There, I watched as a couple of reptilian spider-like humanoids stood by the ledge of the pergola. I could've sworn I saw a young offspring with the couple. I never expected to find young people here. Although, it makes sense. This world's primary community is one forged by prisoners and their offspring.

How messed up is that?

The settlements of Giurokaj are quite very similar to the communities on Wocian. There are supermarkets, businesses, monetary systems, etcetera. There's even an exile run police force here keeping the rowdier prisoners in check. I could get used to this. However, this environment is not kind to craykello such as myself.

The sun is unbearable. And sure, while there are plenty of water ration stations here, I still find this planet intolerable. Sure, the cuddliest race in the galaxy, the Snugglians, originate from this planet, but that doesn't matter. I want to return to the tournament. I want to see Shenelda again. I know we haven't talked much, but she is probably the one thing on my mind right now.

I know I'm an extremely impatient person, but there's absolutely nothing of interest here. I mean, I haven't checked the town for any fun activities, but I doubt those activities would be as fun as the tournament. It was pretty much the only thing that kept my interest for six months, and now that I'm stranded on a harsh desert world that slowly erodes life spans, I'm the most bored I've ever been.

After spending about half an hour just sitting underneath the pergola, the sun has shifted dramatically. Before, it was shining radiantly over town like a white orb of plasma. Now, it is a crimson glow beyond the horizon.

"Hey," chirrups the familiar voice of Sophalie.

"Hey," I grumble in reply. "What you doing here? Why are you bothering me?"

"Sorry," she apologizes. "I've made you guys dinner. I've pulled up some couches for you guys."

"As you can surely notice, I don't want to stay here."

"Well, you have no choice, kid. I haven't got a choice either."

I can hear the musical chimes of hot air chimes behind me, and I sigh.

"I know that, but I have a life back on Teglyo."

"Really? You call fighting in a deathmatch a life? You should lay back a little. This planet has a lot to offer."

"Yeah, well the tournament has a lot to offer. I had friends there. Plus, I had I a crush. I offered her to join me on this rescue mission. But she refused. I don't think she wants to be a hero anymore."

"Understandable. Not all with superpowers have this dream to save people. To act as vigilantes."

I pick up a rock on the ground and toss it over the ledge of the pergola.

"I'm sure she did once, before she came to this program."

I feel Sophalie's wooden hand grasp my shoulder as she pulls me around towards her. Her one green eye blinks occasionally to get the dust out. But Sophalie still doesn't shift her gaze from me.

"Listen, kid, I never wanted to be a hero myself. I did want to live a life outside the law, however. That's why I fit in so well here. That's why I accepted this place as my home. I found meaning here."

"I likely never won't," I snarl, baring my curved yellow fangs.

"I know, but you should understand this, Nygyl. Even though the radiation here shortens our lifespans, we must not dwell on that fact. Instead, we must enjoy life in the moment here. Life here is incredible. Blissful, for some."

"I still want to return to Teglyo."

"I know you do, but unless Lygor decides to come rescue you, you're screwed. The guards that tried to kill you and Petara will likely tell the other guards protecting the planet, and these guards don't care about those exiled to this planet. They just want to keep people from escaping. That's all."

I turn away from Sophalie, and sigh. "I failed Lygor. He wanted me to rescue his crew."

"They're hardly innocent," Sophalie exclaims. "And also, why did even agree to rescue Lygor's crew?"

"Because if I'm not occupied, I get very bored."

"Well, then, let's find you something here that's even remotely interesting."

"Like what?"

"Like another Shenelda. I'm sure I could find you a girlfriend. I know of a couple people your age living in this town."

"Shenelda wasn't my girlfriend," I point out. "Or, at least, not yet. And I doubt any of the young people you find will have her personality."

"Well, I beg to differ. Describe her personality."

"She's nice, self-deprecating, and also very introverted."

"I know just the person," Sophalie beams. "There's a girl here I'll find for you tomorrow. For now, can you just come and get yourself some grub?"

I groan in defeat. "I'm not entirely convinced, but I guess I'm stuck here for now. I'll come for dinner, I guess."

"Yay! You'll love my sour corn and grey onionwax soup!"

"I'm carnivorous!" I point out.

"Well, Petara will love my soup. You can have some raw meat I was saving for tomorrow night!"

I growl hungrily. "Alright, just lead us back to your house."

"Sure thing, kid!"