《Last Lament》 Prologue Year 30XX, as the lives of humans and technologies continue to progress at a steady pace in which no other life forms can contrast. The amount of lawlessness and violence began to rise in proportion to newfound use of criminal strategies. Numerous victims appear and disappear akin to the burst of a star, helpless to halt when death awaits. Crime rate steadily rises as prison cells overfill like worms crawling on top of a rotten apple. Officers of the law work hard day and night to seize these horrendous tumors of society. But so what of it? Day after day passes. Months pass by months. Years followed by years. The amount of people being captured didn¡¯t decrease, but the amount of space for their storage did. Slowly, gradually, those cells fill to the brim akin to a cup overflowing with dirty water. What a big problem. Prisoners are human, they need to eat, bath, and sleep. But who is providing for them, for these rotten leftovers of human scum. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Of course, it¡¯s them. Them. They, who look downwards at society as their chin points straight up toward heavens in blatant arrogance. Even if what they provide is only a droplet of water from their reservoir, that ocean of wealth! It is still a droplet of their own. How dare these mongrels suck away at their blood and tears this way without cause! Even a simple earthworm can help fishermen act as bait but what about these disgusting pieces of trash. What audacity! Ah, what a problem, what a pain. Who can help them dig at the roots of this bleeding infection? Who can save them from this dilemma? ¡°I know.¡± Someone said in a pondering tone that¡¯s tinted with a hint of scorn, ¡° Let¡¯s create a sanctuary.¡± ¡°A sanctuary?¡± Another person asked in inquiry. ¡°Yes.¡± A wide grin spread on that person¡¯s face. A place for all criminals to go to. A place where they can redeem themselves. A place where we can discard our worries. The perfect cure for this terrible virus. That¡¯s why. At a place very far away, let¡¯s build an island. On that island, let¡¯s build a city. For that city, let¡¯s give it a name. We¡¯ll call it, ¡° Last Lament.¡± Chapter 1: Lament City Many years ago, too long for people to clearly recall, an island was built upon the simple whim of others. They can still remember that day when clouds broke in allowance for warm sunlight to dawn from above. Cascading upon that grand city floating above the ocean akin to the paradise of Gods. It was definitely an ethereal sight hard to describe with just plain words for those standing near the coast. Almost as though a mere blink of an eye was the result of this sudden unveil akin to curtains parting on a stage. A mere snap of fingers as if a trick played by a magician. Citizens wonder what the purpose of that breathtaking isle is for as rumors and speculations mixed then spread like wildfire amongst the crowd until finally¡­ [Hey, hey, have you heard of what that island is used for?] A person appeared with an expression different from the blend of curiosity and interest. It was a complicated integration of amusement as well as mocking confidence which stemmed from knowing something others do not. [Shhh¡­] That person motioned with an index finger placed upon their grinning lips, [I¡¯ve got the news from someone I know. You have to keep it a secret¡­ that is¡­] [A place built for the purpose of discarding waste.] At first, there were only a few dozen prisoners and guests forced to spend their lives on this island of ruins. However, as time passed, more and more people came while bearing differing intentions of a similar cause. Thus, gradually the island became a well known dwelling for those who have been abandoned by society. The predicted scene of violence pictured in the mind of its creators was scarce. Those with a past rarely involve themselves in the conflict of others. How can they not be clear of their own situation? They have been forsaken, discarded, what use is it to continue struggling, caring about the happenings surrounding them? The most they can do now is rot in silence at a quiet corner away from the prying gaze of others. But- That is not what the creators of that island wanted. Despair, terror, bloodshed, and unending waves of devastation. Even trash can be used as entertainment before they burn away. That¡¯s why- [Let¡¯s make it more interesting] someone said. [If by chance, there is still even a sliver of hope within them. Let us give those trash a chance to be recycled.] The condition? [An elaborate murder] _____ Near the outskirts of Lament City. Within an area of thick forestry where the shadows of towering trees hover above akin to giants protecting their territory. The silence of this solemn field was fractured by the abrupt crunches of shoes against dry leaves. Numerous silhouettes saunter about in this dim forest with cautious steps as they nudge away the greenery. Each deliberate pause and action foretells of a fact that those figures seemed to be searching for something important within the mist. The thickness of morning fog prevented anyone from seeing the area in front of them clearly; however, they pressed on nonetheless. Minutes ticked away while submerged in this melancholy quietness of only footsteps and rustling of bushes. Their vague silhouettes behind white fog are akin to monsters out of the imaginary. No one dared to disturb the heaviness of the atmosphere, not even animals hidden from sight. Until¡­ It was an hour before dawn, the splash of water colliding against moving objects echoes throughout the vast clearing. Those shadows could still be seen distinctly moving about as they broke through the thickets. Moments later, an excited voice rang out with a shrill shout,¡± Old Four come here, I found it!¡± A mix of surprise and joy could be sensed in the loud tone. Affected by this sudden holler, it was as though a spell was broken as the field immediately clamored with activity. All rushing to run towards the largest tree near the creek. They were like a pack of hungry wolves whose eyes finally locked onto prey. At the same juncture, as if startled awake by this penetrating yell. Daylight arrives, delivering a fragile beam of light that pierces through the haze, landing precisely on top of a delicate face. Inducing those hurried footsteps to hesitate upon this picturesque scene of an ethereal kind. The tender face of a woman in her mid-twenties. Slim arms placed gently on top of a low hanging branch stretched out like an intending armrest. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Head rests upon her limbs as almond-shaped eyes dully gaze at the rising sun. An unfathomable smile graced those pale lips as dark blood slowly dripped downward. Staining her white dress red with tiny blooming flowers. What a beautiful picture. _____ Lament City is a place supposedly closed off from civilization. But about every three months would a ship dock along with a new batch of awaiting citizens on board. It is also the one and only day where the harbor is opened to the public. ¡°Old Four, what do you think the newcomer is like?¡± A chirpy voice rang out with curiosity so contrasting compared to the dull atmosphere of the pier. ¡°It¡¯s rare for anyone to willingly transfer to our bureau. At least, I¡¯m sure there won¡¯t be any pretty girls that will volunteer to transfer here.¡± ¡±I¡¯ve been single for a long time¡­¡± The young man murmured with a slight tone of dejection. However, in the next second, the expression on his face morphed into a brighter tone as he declared with expectations. ¡±I hope it¡¯s a really handsome guy.¡± ¡°You know, the type that appears in novels with looks so appealing that it¡¯s a sight to behold no matter what they do.¡± Thoughts continued to churn as Xiao Chen began counting his fingers while listing with excitement. ¡°Whether eating, sleeping, talking, walking or even using the bathroom! The type that can bend a straight guy like me into a number eight!¡± Old Four: ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± Droopy eyes slanted towards the left, rolled downwards to the ground before staring up at the sky with a helpless sigh. The sky sure is grey today, clouds particularly transparent, isn¡¯t there someone here that can shut this guy up? The middle-aged man flitted a fatigued glance at Xiao Chen before rolling in silent annoyance. Sight locked onto the ground while increasing the speed of his steps secretly as if trying to escape. [I need coffee.] Nonetheless, without waiting for any response, the young lad proceeded with this one-sided conversation between him and his wordless partner. ¡°Everyone in the team looks so old and drab, one look and you¡¯ll know they¡¯re definitely not protagonist material.¡± This young man here has been infatuated with novels of many kinds, thus his strange choice of words. As if partners listening to two very different channels in the same space, Xiao Chen grins in the imagination of a joyful and colorful world. While failing to notice the blankness covering over the eyes of the man walking beside. A sharp contrast of the duo¡¯s personality shown in plain view. Old Four: ¡°......¡± ¡°For example, Old Four, you''re always wearing those black or gray suits everyday. If I didn¡¯t know better I would¡¯ve thought you were dressing up for a funeral 365 days each year!¡± ¡°Middle-age is just right at the time where you should show off your remaining youth. Why not try wearing a yellow suit instead. It represents youth and it¡¯s bright enough that I can find you easily in the crowd.¡± Old Four: ¡°... ¡­¡± ¡°Say, maybe you can-¡± ¡°Found it.¡± Old Four interrupted with a sudden point of a finger towards a figure not too far from them. This sudden declaration successfully halted Xiao Chen¡¯s incessant string of words as the young man trailed after the direction of the middle-aged man¡¯s gaze. ¡°...What?¡± Following the motions of his long time partner, Xiao Chen¡¯s sight came in immediate contact with a figure resting under a tree. It was a huge creature half the size of Xiao Chen¡¯s own height whose body laid without a care, curled beneath the shade of wide branches. As if unable to notice the change in the young man¡¯s facial expressions, Old Four nodded as he walked towards the giant St. Bernard. Sensing the approachment of the duo, the St. Bernard lifted its head up whilst casting a lazy glance their way. There was no fear nor taint of caution as that gentle creature merely gaze at the two in tranquil silence, waiting for them to act. Stopping a few feet away from this large creature, the middle-aged man pondered for a moment before muttering in a hesitating tone. Lips and brows unintentionally twitched and quivered in this quick fraction of a moment. ¡°Xiaoshunzi?¡± Xiao Chen: ¡°Huh?¡± Xiao Chen¡¯s dazed irises flitted from left to right, up then down as he tried hard to process the words of his old partner. As if trying to confirm his hearing, Xiao Chen dug at the canals of his ears while glancing at Old Four then at the lethargic St. Bernard once more. Seeing it gradually stand up in response, the young man¡¯s confused gaze instantly turns into one full of pity. ¡®Heavens! Even dogs have it hard these days. Of all names to choose from, your owner bestowed you with an enunch''s title. What kind of sick human taste is that?! Big dog bro, my poor brother from another non-human mother. Other than sympathy, I can¡¯t think of anything else to say!¡¯ But wait. Are you a male or female? Normally, only male eunuchs would have such names but¡­ who knows? Leaning forward with a scrutinizing stare, Xiao Chen focused with an unprecedented amount of concentration. However, no matter how close he tried to observe the area between its legs, the long fur of the animal shielded ¡®that¡¯ truthful place from view. Unless he used his hands, it would be hard to determine what¡¯s underneath and just as his twitching hands began to move. A hard smack to the back of his head brought the lad back to the present. ¡°What are you standing in a daze for? Hurry up!¡± Old Four scolded before departing after the dog whose figure had already walked far away. Leaving his partner to stand in the same spot while rubbing the back of his head with a displeased frown and pucker of lips. Xiao Chen: ¡°Tch! You could have just warned me¡­¡± The young man murmured while running after the two figures in front. _____ Passing through streets and alleyways. The trio slowly left behind the bustle of human activity as they gradually stepped into the much quieter part of the city. After walking for an hour or so, the St. Bernard, Xiaoshunzi led Old Four and Xiao Chen towards a shabby two-story building. The door to the building is wide open; extending an open invitation to their guests. Xiao Chen: ¡°... ¡­¡± Old Four: ¡°... ¡­¡± The duo shared a quick glance between the two before cautiously entering the building. The clacking of shoes and paws against polished wood echoes, causing the atmosphere to take on an eerie tone. There were no other sounds within this establishment except for the ones made by themselves. The whole area is quiet with a scent of foreignness, almost as if a place without a single sign of human life. Following Xiaoshunzi, the middle-aged man and lad stopped a step away from a particular wooden door. From outside, the faint sound of rustling paper and occasional mutterings could be heard within, confirming there to be people inside. ¡°... ¡­¡± The duo shared a knowing glance once more before Xiao Chen lightly knocked on the door with slight nervousness. Knock. Knock. Xiao Chen: ¡°Hello?¡± The movement inside abruptly halted for a few seconds before a faint, ¡°come in,¡± rang out behind the barrier. A low enigmatic voice sounded from the interior. Pausing for a moment, Old Four then proceeded to open the entranceway with a slight step to the side. Allowing Xiao Chen to enter first as a show of politeness for the absentminded kid. However, No one could have suspected the unfurl of events. Swish. It was too quick for anyone to have reacted. The sharp sound of an object sliced through air followed by the dull thud of piercing flesh. "Ugh!" A surprised voice echoed across the room along with the rise of another holler much lower akin to a growl. ¡°...?¡± Shocked, Xiao Chen slowly looked down with trembling lips and widened eyes to see a dagger embedded itself deep into his chest. Chapter 2: Qi Lan Old Four: ¡°Damn it!¡± Widening his eyes in horror at the figure of his fallen comrade. The middle-aged man rushed to Xiao Chen¡¯s side as both hands pressed down on the gushing wound. The warmth of pooling blood penetrated through the fabric of the man¡¯s pants and sleeves within a fraction of a second Old Four knelt down. Akin to the slow crawling of vines encasing around his limbs in an agonizing fashion¡­ Dread induced the middle-aged man to tremble with fear as he tried to placate the body slumped in his embrace. Words came out in a low quivering tone as Old Four sat completely helpless on the ground. One hand supported Xiao Chen¡¯s back while the other still pressed hard on the flooding gap colored in a hue of darkening red. ¡°Xi, Xiao¡­. Chen. Xiao Chen¡­. it¡¯s okay¡­ everything will be okay. You just have to hang on, I''ll take you to the hospital soon.¡± The heat and stench of blood seeped into the air before drilling into the man¡¯s senses as the mix of vertigo and confusion threatened for the man to hurl. Vision blurred akin to a mirror veiled in mist as tears began to form on the corner of those droopy eyes. ¡°You have to hang on¡­¡± Suppression of blood flow does not seem to work as well as first planned. The temperature under trembling fingers descends with each tick of time. This realization caused the middle-aged man¡¯s heart to ache with pain akin to arrows piercing his heart. Think! Think! There has to be a way! Thoughts tangled together with no ways of untwining until Old Four felt a light tug on his shirt. Inducing the middle-aged man to connect gazes with Xiao Chen¡¯s dazed vision. ¡°Xiao Chen.¡± ¡°......Ol ...d¡­.F¡­ our¡­ I think¡­¡± Scarlet liquid streamed from the corner of stained lips made even more serious with each strained cough and intake of breath. Before his words even finished, Xiao Chen¡¯s breath halted just as abrupt as the attack itself. Everything started and ended within a matter of minutes. The young man died rather quickly. ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± Staring in a daze at his bloody hands, the tears at the corner of Old Four eyes finally fell. Sliding from his cheeks all the way down to the still warm corpse in his arms, staining an area of Xiao Chen¡¯s shirt a darker shade. Why? Old Four wondered. Why is this happening? What is happening? I¡­ can¡¯t think straight, he thought. Just as the older man was about to question this situation even further, a shadow suddenly draped over his hunched figure. Blocking off the light from a nearby window while successfully capturing his distracted attention. ¡°... ¡­¡± Blurred pupils filled with unshed tears quivered for a second before rising to collide with an intense gaze. Cold and aloof to the point of being almost emotionless, those dark orbs locked onto the middle-aged man akin to looking at a dead object. ¡°Y, y,¡± Dry lips twitched and trembled before managing to question with a tinge of hate, ¡°you¡­ who?¡± But as if having near the limit of their patience, the figure above lifted the object in their hands high and struck down without pity. Widened pupils watched motionless as that glint of silver cut down without hesitation. Bang! Unshed droplets of anguish rolled down the man¡¯s tear stained face. _____ ¡°...¡± ¡°... ¡­¡± ¡°...... Hey¡­¡± ¡°..........Old ¡­.¡­.hey..¡± Xiao Chen: ¡°Hey!¡± Old Four: ¡°Huh!?¡± Opening his eyes in shock, the middle-aged man stood in bewilderment at the middle of the busy pier. Xiao Chen: ¡°Old Four, are you listening to me!?¡± Droopy eyes stared absentmindedly at the docked ship, the moving waves, along strides of strangers walking by. The faint chattering of people undulated within his consciousness but still failed to register nonetheless. Where? ¡°Hey! You¡¯re ignoring me again!¡± Xiao Chen said as he jumped in front of his partner with a pout which immediately startled the man. ¡°Huh?¡± Old Four revealed a shock expression which morphed into one of utter disbelief, ¡°Xiao Chen, is, is it really you?¡± Didn¡¯t you¡­ die? Staring wide-eyed at the person in front of him, images flashed by akin to reels of a black and white film. The death of this young man who is his one and only partner. His despair at seeing someone he knew for so long take their last breath in his arms. As well as¡­ As well as the coldblooded gaze of the culprit who created all this. All these sudden recollections of broken images caused the middle-aged man to shiver subconsciously under the heat of this noontime sun. Was¡­ all of that just a dream? But¡­ It felt so real? Stolen novel; please report. Oblivious to Old Four¡¯s thoughts, Xiao Chen sulked unhappily to a greater degree. ¡°Of course I¡¯m here! If I¡¯m not here, where am I supposed to be? Hello? Hey ¡­Old Four! Your mind is wandering again! What are you thinking about so seriously?¡± Startled by Xiao Chen¡¯s shout, Old Four escaped momentarily from the cage of messy thoughts. In the fraction of a second the man looked up from his daze, a sudden transparent haze even he couldn¡¯t detect invaded his senses. Casting a thin film of mist over every churning thought and ideas in mind, turning it stagnate and blank in a matter of seconds. The mix of confusion, bewilderment, as well as fear which swirled within those fatigue pupils froze then shattered before dispersing without sound. What was I thinking about again? I can¡¯t seem to remember¡­ even though I was just thinking¡­ about¡­ what? ¡±I don¡¯t¡­ nevermind.¡± Shaking his head to clear the muddle of heavy disorientation, Old Four asked with furrowed brows. ¡°What were you talking to me about again?¡± Although a little upset at being ignored, Xiao Chen decided to forgive his old partner¡¯s actions and continued to talk. ¡°I was saying you should wear brighter colors instead of dreary black and grey ones, like a bright yellow suit! You¡¯ll look ten years younger that way, it might even help you get rid of your singular life.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Old Four answered absentmindedly, thinking that this conversation sounded rather familiar. ¡°Come on, walk faster! We have to meet the new advisor for our team! I think I see him near that tree over there!¡± Xiao Chen said as he started to pull Old Four towards a tree where a figure is seen standing under. ¡°... ¡­¡± The sense of deja vu grew stronger with each passing moment as blood-shot eyes locked onto a vague figure distance away. Heartbeats pound loud as if drums vibrating in his chest, allowing blood to rush rampant through every vein amongst heavy strides. There are just too many people to see clear enough to give life to that expectant picture carved in his mind. A large dog of some breed laying under the shade in leisure rest. However¡­ ¡­Huh? Why would he think a dog would be waiting instead of a person? But Old Four¡¯s strides did not falter; on the contrary, it grew faster to the point that it turned into him pulling Xiao Chen along into a short run instead. Xiao Chen: ¡°Hey! Quit yanking, you¡¯re walking too fast!¡± Steps halted upon arriving about a few feet away as the middle-aged man¡¯s facial expression morphed into one of vacant surprise. Sight enraptured by the silhouette under the shade of sashaying leaves. A cool wind blew in the caress of rustling leaves which then fluttered onto the tall frame below. Gliding past strands of dark colored hair and paleness of porcelain skin before making a momentary contact with thin pursed lips. Brushing by before landing silent on the ground beside the youth¡¯s feet. ¡°... ¡­¡± Perhaps sensing the arrival of guests, long lashes quivered for a second before the figure under the tree opened his eyes. Limpid black irises collided with the duo standing on the opposite side as a translucent voice rang out from those soft lips. ¡°Detectives, correct?¡± Not expecting to hear such a clear voice, the two detectives nodded in a wordless daze. ¡°... ¡­¡± Receiving the response he wanted, the young man pushed himself away from the tree before sauntering away. Slender digits motioned towards the duo to follow, ¡°this way.¡± The mysterious youth said while turning away from the direction of the pier. _____ Through one alleyway to another, the detectives followed in silence behind the tall figure in blue. The trio stride without conversing all the way until they arrive at an old two story building. Old with a dilapidated sense of an abandoned house, a feeling of unease began to swirl inside of the middle-aged man the moment his sight landed in front. Hesitation withheld him as cold sweat began to slide down his icy back. Jaws clenched tight as they walked the halls within the quiet interior, past many familiar but foreign furniture and sights until¡­ they halted a step away from a certain door. Stopping in front of the entranceway of the chamber, the young man stepped aside as he gestured towards the duo with a faint smile. ¡°Please, guests first.¡± He then waited in politeness for one of them to open the door. Feeling comfortable enough, Xiao Chen was about to show himself in when Old Four shot a hand out to grip tight on his wrist. ¡°I¡¯ll open the door, you stay behind me.¡± Xiao Chen: ¡°Ah?¡± Although puzzled by these strange actions, Xiao Chen did not think much as he moved to stand behind his partner. Old Four: ¡°... ¡­¡± Standing with sweat running down his forehead, Old Four released a trembling breath as a hand slowly reached for the door knob. Unblinking sight locked hard on the motion of turning so much that it caused him to neglect his surroundings. Especially his failure to detect the pair of clear eyes staring silently at his every move. ¡°... ¡­¡± Gathering enough courage, Old Four took a deep shaky breath. Letting it out at the same juncture as the turning of the knob, the door flew open with a bang to reveal the secrets from within. A room decorated with expensive redwood furniture. From chairs, to tables, to bookshelves, its dilapidated outer appearance conceals a lavish interior hidden from apparent sight. A large fireplace, leather couches, a few glass lamps, and a beautiful red rug which lies a huge sleeping St. Bernard. Upon hearing the sound of guests, the ears of the dog twitched in slight motion before it stood up to find another comfortable spot under the window near the large redwood desk. Stunned by the unexpected normalcy of the room, Old Four stood rooted at the same place until a slender figure walked past. Pulling him from his reverie as the middle-aged man hurried after the owner of the house followed by Xiao Chen. ¡°Wow! This place is so different from the outside!¡± Xiao Chen exclaimed in admiration which earned a glare from Old Four. ¡°Don¡¯t be rude.¡± ¡°Feel free to find a comfortable seat.¡± The young man said as he sat himself behind the large desk. Hands and legs crossed together simultaneously as he stared at the two detectives in contemplation. Concurrent with those actions, a gentle lighting shines from the large glass windows onto his tall figure. Surrounding the youth in a thin layer of blinding white light. Combined with the clearness of those black pupils, it was as if the person sitting at the desk was not the adviser they were planning on meeting. But a being that transcends mortality and whose sights can peer through the depths of one¡¯s soul. ¡°Cough!¡± Breaking eye contact from the scene in front of him, Old Four steady his thoughts before giving himself a formal introduction. ¡°You can call me Old Four and the kid behind me is Xiao Chen. We¡¯ll be working together from now on, so pleased to meet you.¡± ¡°Qi Lan. Pleased to meet the two of you as well.¡± The youth named Qi Lan said with a meaningful smile. Silence¡­ Unable to think of a suitable topic to start on, Old Four awkwardly swept his eyes around the room. Unexpectedly landing on a book left on the coffee table to his left. Curiosity induced the man to take a few steps forward in reach for that item. [Lament Island], the book is titled. Is this not a book about how the island was built years ago? Anyone who lives on the island knows the basics of this history by mouth, there isn¡¯t really a need to purchase a physical copy. Worried that his new advisor might¡¯ve been scammed, Old Four was about to enlighten this young lad when Qi Lan opened his mouth with an abrupt question. ¡°I see that you are interested in that book?¡± The youth smiled lightly. ¡°Ah? This? No...¡± Surprised by the sudden inquiry, Old Four stuttered in response. A soft chuckle rumbled from Qi Lan¡¯s throat whilst an index finger tapped faintly on the desk in absentmindness. ¡°Have you heard about the history of this island?¡± Nodding his head, Old Four answered naturally, ¡°of course! Everyone on this island has heard of it at least once. To put it in simple terms, a group of wealthy people had too much time on their hands, made an island and threw people in here to die. That¡¯s fundamentally all there is to it.¡± The older detective twisted his lips with scorn. ¡°Hm. That¡¯s one of the versions. But I bet you haven¡¯t heard of this one.¡± Qi Lan said with a deliberate smile. _____ [What should we do?] Someone said, [So much human trash, but so little place to throw them to.] Another rang with an upset voice. Just as everyone grew restless with worry, a clear voice sounded amongst the crowd. [I know.] That person said, [Let¡¯s create a sanctuary.] [A place where people can be recycled. A place where gods can battle. A holy ground in which each species is given a chance to be reborn!] Bellowing in a deranged voice, that figure placed both hands on the table, the lighting from the overhead lamp casted upon its figure. Stretching out its shadow that seems to be howling with an equally demented stretch of their lips. [That¡¯s why. At a place very far away, let¡¯s build an island.] [On that island, let¡¯s build a city.] [For that city, we¡¯ll give it a stage.] [And on that stage¡­ let¡¯s bear witness to a massacre! Hahahahahaha!!!!]