Event Horizon

Chapter 1

My parents named me Lucifer. Lucifer!

There should seriously be a law against naming your kids the dumbest shit ever. I don't care that it's a real name and it means light or truth or whatever; it's never about what it actually means when it's ubiquitously associated with evil. There used to be a place called Denmark where you weren't allowed to ruin your child's life with an awful birthname.

Cairnerith certainly has a thing or two to learn. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if I was a sci-fi novel protagonist, 'cause it at least sounds cool.

What's a proper way to introduce yourself to a lady you just tried to rob? 'Hi, I'm Lucifer' would certainly get me booted out.

"My name's Lucas."

That works.

"With a K or a C?" She motioned towards a small cloth couch. "Drop the switchblade and sit your ass down. You've got some explaining to do."

"With a C, ma'am. I'm sorry for trying to mug you."

It's dark as shit out there.

"Well that ain't a thing you hear every day! "I'm sorry for mugging you", she mimicked. "You sure are an oddball. Tell me more."

I'm by no means an intimidating guy, but in this situation, I think it might've worked out in my favour.

"Girlfriend conflicts. Now I've no money and my parents kicked me out. I wanted a little food and shelter. Uh, I just came out of jail for trying to rob a store-"

"What'd she do?" The woman sat down on the chair opposite me and watched my face intently. "Speak."

I've answered questions before. I'm an expert in lying through my teeth; the kind of guy that your mother would hate but your brother would adore. I know how to use my own wits to get myself out of hot water; not that I enjoy being dishonest, but it's a useful talent to have. But I've got nothing to offer right now.

"What'd she do to you?" She said, softer this time.

"Not of your concern."

She sent me into the showers (which was nice, good-ol privacy was hard to come by) probably because I smell of wet dog mixed with ass (I'm not sure though, but I don't want to be). All the while resisting my urge to use far too much shampoo, it crossed my mind that this lady might've been a hungry fairy who thought that street kids didn't know how to behave in others' homes. Unfortunately for her, she'd only be half-right. So she can have my legs.

To avoid indecency and being eaten, I wrapped one of her white, fluffy towels around my waist as I looked for a change of clothes in my new room's closet. I look to the right: a pile of plastic boxes filled with scrap metal, wires, and little things like nuts and bolts.

"I said I would get you something." She walked in on me (thankfully, changed), holding a plate of chicken from the oven. "You hungry, boy?"

I'll be honest with you. Yes I was, but I already gave myself enough of a hard time for threatening to hurt that convenience store clerk 'cause I didn't want to sleep on the streets, so I didn't think I could stomach a dead animal (No, the prison food didn't count. It's far too disgusting to be actual meat.) She was also yet to prove that she wasn't a fairy.

"No thank you, ma'am. I'm good, you don't need to get me anything, I'm fine."

"If you don't like chicken, you could just tell me." She set the plate down. "No need for the formalities here. Take some cash. Fetch yourself something from the market."

"Alright." Two hundred bucks. Enough to get a medium salad, I thought. I felt a little bad about not thanking her for the gift, but I'm just trying to look out for myself over here.

"And you don't try any funny business on anyone! Get your food, get out, and get your ass back here."

"Okay."

I remember her rows of marigolds and yarrows that faced the dimly-lit streets. Wad of cash in hand, I took off for the nearest store, which I didn't think was for another half-mile or so, but at least I'm a good sprinter.

What defines a name? If it's what people call you, then 'Lucifer' is eons more attractive than 'Missed Potential' or 'Poor Thing'. If it's what you call yourself, then I'm not even sure if I have one.

Please just call me Lucas. I know it's outdated, but I'd take it over anything else at this point.