What Memory Remains

Chapter 1

"Well, Dr. Ostrand...to answer your question, I'm not sure when I first killed someone. That is, when I wasn't supposed to, anyway. And I know you're going to ask me why, and to be honest I don't know. I've never really thought about it. It's almost as if it's ingrained in me. It's complex ...I think I kill...because I need to feel something."

At this, the doctor taking notes lifted an eyebrow and scribbled furiously at the last comment. Both men sat facing each other in a cramped space that resembled an interrogation room. The one being questioned, by name of Zenapharr Meridian, wore a straightjacket tightly fastened with the additional of three chains.

"So...what you're saying is that you normally don't feel anything?"

"Well, quite the acute psychologist I see! But as I said before, I'd never given it much thought. I suppose I don't feel much of anything. Maybe I'm a zombie, wandering about and feeding, yet never quite full. When I kill...it's as I feel more complete, somehow. Well, maybe not 'complete,' but moreso....less empty. You know...there is that moment..."

"What moment?"

"When someone dies. There's a sort of light that leaves their eyes...it's really quite beautiful."

Zenapharr took on a malevolent grin as he bore his piercing green eyes into the doctor's. The psychologist shifted about in his chair, looking away from the gaze.

"I like to pretend that the light that leaves them becomes me for a moment. I suppose you don't relate."

"No, I can't say I do Zenapharr. What you've just described is a very abnormal feeling." Zenapharr's grin turned back into the blank stare from earlier. The proclaimed doctor uncomfortably looked down at his notepad and began jotting more down, pushing his glasses further onto his nose.

"Yes, I supposed that is uncommon. One reason that you label me a monster. Isn't that what the reports said? 'A monster among us?' Dramatic, but catchy. I'll give them that much."

"That is what they've written, but that is why I'm here. I want to understand you and your nature. I think that is what you're searching for, is it not? Wanting to learn who you are...maybe even what you are. You've demonstrated abnormal abilities. Incredible strength, agility, and the most gifted swordsman anyone has ever seen. And the magical abilities that you possess..."

"Which is why you've restrained me here, is it not? And the magical wards you've placed on this building. I know this already. Do you have information for me, or do you not?"

"We're still looking into it. Zenapharr, we've always known your natural capacity for violence and aggression. That much was obvious from your days in military school. Yet, we were never aware that you were murdering people outside of your mission parameters. Not until this year, and we employed Sade to find you after you went AWOL on your last mission."

"I surmised as much. It makes sense why I would want to know the reasoning behind my behavior, but why are you so interested? It's not that their lives are important, this world is simply one of survival. We are in the business of killing, so why does that it matter if I take extra lives with me? Isn't it a bit hypocritical? Is it the fact that it's not part of my organization's plan?"

"Mr. Meridian--"

"--Zenapharr."

"I'm sorry....Zenapharr, Minerva is not a military organization for brutal and outlandish murder. We're here to keep order to this planet. Those who pose a threat to society must be neutralized to keep the balance in this world."

"Interesting choice of words for a doctor. Why don't you tell me the true nature of your profession, and end this false pretense? I can hardly keep pretending that I'm convinced of it." Zenapharr smirked, with just the right dab of dark mirth to put anyone on edge--as if he were ready to spring a trap at any moment.