Planet 32, Serra
Two years later,
Percy's pov
Percy crouched low on the roof of the as he spotted the Serran King's Guard marching towards the centre of the town with the King in the front chariot. They held their heads high, some of them looked a bit guilty at the announcement they were here to make. Percy shook his head in disgust, they just march around instilling fear among the people, letting them suffer while the king lives off of their suffering. He mused Although they don't seem to have much choice, do they?
He shook out of his thoughts as the Commander started," People of Serra, Our King Veneer Claust Furmengot has decreed that the taxes shall be increased for all immigrants." A wave of outrage erupted among the people, more than half of the citizens were immigrants. The king couldn't possibly do this.
"SILENCE!" The commander roared. "Any complaints can be made in the palace. They will be handled appropriately." As in, those who dare to say something against the king will be punished and executed. "Furthermore, children above the age of ten will be recruited in the army. No exceptions." Despair hung in the air as the people tightened their arms around their children. Anger and rage were spread out in waves but none acted on it as fear was always in the back of their minds.
Percy was seething, he gritted his teeth. But he held back.
All that control went out of the window when he saw the sadistic smile of Veneer (The king). A goblet in his hand as he slouched in his chariot seat. Waves of energy and power spread around Percy as he felt the blood running through Veneer's body. He felt powerful like never before.
Veneer doubled over in pain, spilling the drink in his hand. Gasps of shock emanating in the crowds. The guards went over to the tyrant king but not before he exploded. It was a gory sight of blood and guts. Chaos soon followed.
All through this, Percy grew exhausted and dragged himself back to Bern's house. He felt nauseous at what just happened but it couldn't stop a sense of sadistic satisfaction that the tyrant king is alive no more. Dark spots soon filled his vision as he collapsed on the doorsteps.
All the while from a mysterious place, the fates watched the events that will change this hero's life again, this time there is no coming back. In the darkness, the snip of a thread was echoed.
Four hours later
Percy's pov
Percy slowly opened his eyes, not used to the bright lights. His head felt groggy and tired. Slowly the memories of what happened, that day started coming in. A man he hadn't noticed before sat up from his chair and walked up to him.
" Do you have any idea what you did and how dangerous it could have been if someone had noticed you?" He scowled.
"No, I was just walking by and decided to explode the king's blood for fun. You think I would do that on purpose, Bern."
Bern sighed and embraced the boy who had become like a son to him in many ways. "You could've died with the amount of energy you used, Percy," he said softly.
Percy melted into the embrace and buried his face in his hands. Guilt hit him at the thought of worrying his mentor/father figure. The nauseous feeling returned when it finally hit him of what he had done. He had killed someone. Doesn't matter that he was evil and cruel, no one deserved to die in such a gory manner. He had probably scarred everyone there with such a sight. A dry laugh escaped him. Then again, having that tyrant as a king could have been more scarring for most.
Bern's next words shook him out of his thoughts. "You have to leave this planet soon Percy."
Percy choked on his saliva. "WHY? I am not leaving my home a second time, Bern. I am not running away again."
Bern just shook his head.
" I mean where would I even go? I know nothing of inter-galactic-space travel. You don't even have a spaceship or something," Percy tried to reason.
Just then someone banged on the door. " Sir, let us in. We are checking all homes for a fugitive."
Bern quickly grabbed a backpack lying in the corner and a dark green cloak from the shelf and handed it to him. "You have to go, Percy. Remember your training, don't trust anyone against your instinct. After a few years, things will have cooled down. You can come to visit if you want then." He got something out of his pocket and shoved it into Percy's free hand. "This compass will allow you to travel to different planets. Use your other identity, just to be safe."
Percy nodded; determination was now set in his eyes. He knew there was not much else he could do so he hugged Bern for what will be the last for a few years. Bern whispered into his ear," No matter what, know that the people of Serra will be grateful for what you did. Even a good portion of the government that will hunt you will be reluctant as long as you fight and kill for the good of others."
A loud BANG alerted them that the guards had knocked down the door. With a final goodbye and tear-filled eyes, he teleported to another planet.
Bern's pov
Bern sighed as his mentee started on a whole new journey. He turned around and went to meet his guests. The two guards were standing around scanning the room. "I apologize, I did not hear you as I was out rendezvousing in the woods and have just come back."
The guards were surprised to see the badge of a ranger on his shirt. "Ranger, there are rumours that you were harbouring a possible fugitive. We didn't want to cause problems. If we could just look around the house. You'll be cleared." Both of them looked scared at this point.
Ah. The privileges of being an ex-ranger. Everyone understands not to mess with you. Bern smiled on the inside in amusement. "Of course, you were only doing your duty."
He showed them around the house. It was a good thing I put all of Percy's belongings away, He thought. They left after saluting and with anything of apologies.
After they left, Bern ventured outside thinking, it is time to find Serra a much better ruler.
