State of Life
120 E.D.
The smog in Los Angeles never yielded to perfect sunny days. Even on the balmy afternoons where the heat was at its peak. It was times like this that the very ocean encroached on the air, even in the city. Not a soul alive minded it with the scorching sun hanging in the muted sky. Cars blaring horns. Crosswalks filled with businessmen and starlets. It was a typical day in a usual year.
Life held a different set of rules now. There wasn’t truly a shift or revelation, but more so, the foul nature of humans most hid from each other. The lucky were saved. The majority were left wondering how the world could be so cruel. At least those that weren’t so ignorant to its shift in the first place.
The microscopic view of two women in flashy outfits highlighted the street view. People peeled from their path as they moved toward the restaurants. It was moments in time that seemed to be condensed to a gaze.
“You think we can get our favorite table, Val?” The woman with pink hair questioned.
Val glanced over to see Miss Bubblegum was taking a selfie with her tongue out. The woman was dressed like an anime character with a short skirt, a white buttoned blouse, and stockings. “Likely, Narcie. You have something here,” Val murmured as she swiped a dark fleck from her cheek.
Narcie winked and held out two most extended fingers in a ‘V.’ “Thanks, lovely. We should totally do another snap together. You remember how crazy Greyson went for the last? I’m still trying to hook up with him and his girlfriend.”
“You aren’t, or you would have,” Val said with a toss of her black hair. “Let’s not bring Malick here with that shit.”
Miss Bubblegum shrugged and started streaming a video. “As it occurs to the Great and Wonderful Princess of Gloom, we’re going to get the best lunch this side of L.A. Who’s out trolling for fun? You know we are!”
Val restrained her impatience and smiled while waving. “Hey, guys. I hope you all are enjoying this exciting summer afternoon. We’re just stopping for lunch before we have to get ready for the premiere.”
The pings of hearts and smiles kept racing across the screen as Narcie giggled. “Let’s not forget the best part-- We get to go to the Hell-raising afterparty! Anyone else going? Come on, Biebs, I know you and your crew are.”
There was this space in time, the small fractions, that Val wondered what the point was. The likes. The adoration. It all was...
“What do you think, Vallie? Shall we give them a bit to look forward to?” Narcie cooed as they paused their journey.
Val pivoted with an arched eyebrow, and Narcie bent to her. Her jaw clenched in the slightest before she complied. They gave the camera a perfect view of a sloppy kiss. Narcie kept glancing at the screen as the hearts kept popping dramatically. The dark-haired woman seemed less enthusiastic by the audience, sighing as they pulled apart. She mended the lip gloss smear as Narcie laughed while nodding at her phone.
“There’s more to come if you make it to the afterparty tonight! Val and I will give you all a great show. T.T.F.N!” Narcie exclaimed before canceling out the feed.
“Do you have to always drop that on me? What if my father sees that?” Val questioned with a slight pinch to her brows.
Narcie tossed her hand before pulling out her lip gloss. “He won’t care, Vallie. Anything to make the people want more, right?”
Val just rocked her head before pacing forward. “Well, let’s not upset him, alright? I don’t need his flack today.”
“You’re so cute when you’re irritated! I promise I’ll ask you next time,” Narcie said as she skipped up next to her.
“No, you won’t,” Val retorted.
Narcie tilted her head from side to side. “That’s true!”
The paler woman sighed as she straightened her coat and placed on her sunglasses. “Let’s hurry before the camera flies get here. I’m sure they follow you on social media.”
“You shouldn’t be so grumbly, they love you. They’re too afraid to upset daddy to say anything bad,” Narcie voiced while wrapping her arm around Val’s back.
“True,” Val grumbled with pursed lips. “Here’s to a relaxing afternoon. Simon said he made reservations for me.”
Narcie snorted and flipped her hair from her shoulder. “What doesn’t he do for you?”
“Apparently star in blockbuster movies for me,” Val said with a slight smile.
The women entered the restaurant, and the hostess chewed her bubble gum loudly as they approached. “Just the two of you?” She huffed while rolling her eyes.
Narcie held out her hand to Val and raised an eyebrow. “Reservation for Drakus,” she retorted.
The hostess straightened her uniform and stiffened as Val took off her sunglasses. “My, oh, Miss Drakus! I had no idea that was you. I mean, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine. Is our table ready?” Val asked.
The hostess bit her finger and glanced over at the window. Three people were sitting at the table in question. They looked to be having a stellar time with plenty of food and beers. Val thinned her lips and glanced back at the hostess who was touching her long blond hair and grimacing. “Well?” Val growled.
“Oh, of course! Right away!” She squeaked and raced over to the table.
The young hostess was whispering to the larger man in the middle of the group. His eased expression evolved to something of irritation as the hostess finished. “I’m not giving up my fucking table. That little cocksucker can go fuck herself.”
Narcie covered her mouth as her eyes moved to Val’s face. Val unbuttoned her coat and handed it to Miss Bubblegum before waltzing over. Her sunglasses were pulled away from her eyes as she pressed her hand to the table. “Did I hear you correctly? You’re going to give me my table?”
The burly man’s lips unpeeled from their pinched defiance. “Oh, uh, Miss Drakus. I didn’t recognize you.”
“I don’t like to wait,” Val declared.
The other men near Mr. Fatass quickly gathered their plates and beers. He made an effort to move until Val raised her index finger. “Miss,” he attempted.
Val wandered to the booth and crawled next to him on her knees, pressing into the cushion. “Do you like to be a tick, Mr. Wheeler? Sucking the life from your wife as she silently wishes, you would get your tiny appenage out of her.” She whispered as her red lips neared his ear.
“No,” he breathed.
“Then, a leech, Mr. Wheeler? Something small and wiggly that I just want to rip off your victims,” Val murmured as she caressed his unmanaged stubble.
“Please, I’m sorry,” he begged.
Val pulled away and shuffled from the booth with ease. “Good, then get going. I have my friends waiting, and they aren’t as forgiving.”
Mr. Wheeler jumped from the seat, leaving his plate and beer glass. The man nearly launched himself out of the restaurant and missed traffic as he escaped. Bussers rushed over and cleared the table with immaculate precision as Val stood there with her arms folded. She twirled her finger in the air as the small workers left. “Come, let’s eat,” Val ordered.
Narcie skipped over and held out her coat with a grin. “Vallie, you’re absolutely gorgeous and hot! I would do such perfect things to you if you allowed. Then I could record it and watch us!”
“Father’s orders,” Val mumbled as she placed her jacket over her arms.
“Yeah, I know,” Narcie sighed. “But my dad always says it’s better to love yourself and fuck than to never fuck at all!” She finished while slipping the opposite seat of Val.
Two giant men entered the restaurant and were followed by flashes. They were twins and resembled wrestlers with giant torsos and arms. Both completely bald, and the only way to differentiate between them was the scars on opposite cheeks.
Narcie squealed and waved. “Horrie, Vio!”
They stomped over and chuckled as she launched into their arms.
“We saw your feed,” the twin on the left grumbled.
“It was gruesomely hot,” the other twin added.
Val sat up straighter in her seat and hummed. “It was unexpected.”
Narcie collapsed again into the booth and huffed. “She’s worried her daddy is going to be mad.”
The twins sat down as the cameramen approached the window.
“It could irritate him,” Val protested.
“Nah,” the twin next to her hummed.
“Hor, I mean it. Let’s not push our luck. He’s going to be giving me more responsibility if I show him I can handle it,” Val mumbled as she caressed the man’s arm.
Vio across the table snorted as he rubbed his scar on his left cheek. “He’s nothing like our dad, don’t worry, Vallie.”
Hor gestured to the restaurant and huffed. “A well-oiled machine. He knows that it won’t be an issue.”
As if summoned, several servers approached with plates and drinks. Each dish was piping hot, and the bottle of wine was left for them. No one spoke or looked directly at the group. Narcie even attempted to wink and giggle at one of the young men who served her, but he avoided her gaze.
“Rude!” she shouted at him as they rushed off.
“He likely follows you on Insta and was starstruck, Nars,” Hor chuckled.
“True,” Narcie said while pulling out her phone. “Bitches, look at this delicious meal compliments of the greatest woman to be born under a full moon!”
Val twitched her nose as the flashing ceased. The paparazzi were finally dispersing from the window, letting the group be. “Simon says I have to be at the showing by seven.”
“Simon says,” Vio snickered. “Touch your nose!”
Narcie tossed down her phone and laughed as she touched her nose. “That never gets old.”
Val set her hand down on the table near her plate. That caused the group to glance over at her. “I’m tired.”
“Oh?” Hor questioned.
“Sleeping well?” Vio asked.
“Yes,” Val hummed and glanced toward the window. “I’m just tired.”
Narcie gestured with her eyes from the twins to Val. She was watching the bright red sunset crest over the cityscape. Hor reached over and touched her shoulder. “Vallie, you just need to enjoy tonight. You’ll feel better after the movie business is over. Then you can go back to enjoying a less stifling schedule.”
“I suppose,” Val sighed as she turned back to the group and smiled. “Let’s eat. I’m positive we’re going to have a wonderful night.”
“So, my birthday is next week,” Narcie said as she lifted her fork. “We should go to Vegas and visit Addie and Hato.”
“Maybe, if my schedule warrants,” Val responded with a nod.
Vio ruffled Narcie’s bubblegum pink hair and sneered. “How’s the gala coming?”
“Oh, you know, plenty of social media exploitation and fun. Those damned church fucks are already picketing,” She responded with a smile. “It’s been fantastic.”
Val was savoring the rare steak, but something caught her eye. Someone across the street was smoking a cigarette. It wasn’t unusual, but it was the incredible blue eyes that startled her from her average afternoon. This man was ragged and withered and focusing his sights to the top of the building. His dark cloak was nothing she had seen before, but maybe she had? She couldn’t figure it out.
“What do you think, Val?” Vio’s voice jolted her from her observation.
“Hm?” She glanced back at her friends.
“Maybe we should take the hummer limo tonight?” He asked.
Val looked to the spot where the man was, and he had dispersed, leaving the glowing cigarette on the ground. Odd. “Oh, yes, we should,” Val responded as she returned to the conversation.
“Good, let’s eat and head over to Narcie’s place. We can get ready with her crew,” Hor declared as he forked up a large bite. “I’m sure she doesn’t mind,” he said with his mouth full.
Narcie clapped and shook her head. “Not at all! My little nymphs are going to love to assist us all.”
“Okay,” Val responded and glanced at the window again. Who was that man, and why did it bother her so?
The viewing was fabulous, and Val was a radiant star. That was the perception. She was never allowed to be seen as anything but fierce or distant. As per usual, she followed orders to the letter. Valkyrie, It’s Our Time. It was a masterpiece that followed a tightly woven tale and climaxed with the accurate proportions of the truth.
There were things she wasn’t allowed as the pride of her father’s empire. Romance wasn’t something she was allotted. The director and writers were skeptical at first when they wanted to add in some drama, but Val put her foot down. No hints of it at all in the two-hour film. It was as he said he wanted it and nothing more. Val got accolades for following orders, and a new car was one of the perks.
She was posing for pictures in her long black gown. Her back was revealed, and the red lipstick brightened her face around the rose gold crown she wore on her head. It was glorious, and she was the centerpiece.
“Valkyrie, what’s your father saying about the movie?” A reporter called out.
Val smiled and changed her pose. “He’s pleased,” she declared.
“Will he make an appearance?” A female reporter called out as the flashing continued.
“No,” Val murmured.
“Is it true you’ll be married to someone in your father’s court this year?”
This was news to her. Val made an effort to leave her face muted when turning to the man. That meant many things, but for one, her father was thinking of giving her away? “No, there’s no truth to that,” Val said.
“Is your future husband the Fallen Star?” The man continued.
Val was growing exasperated in swift measure. She could feel the electricity pulling from her fingers. “No,” she repeated.
Narcie skipped up next to her and escorted the woman away from the reporters. However, the man followed and waved. “Valkyrie, you should answer our questions. We want to know if he’s bringing his promise sealed in blood.”
“Fuck off, yeah? Can’t you see we have an afterparty to get to?” Narcie hissed with a sharp glare.
The man pushed to the edge of the barricade. “We need answers. The truth is important.”
Narcie released Val’s arm and sauntered over in her edgy green gown. She touched his cheek and whispered in the reporter’s ear. Val exhaled while the woman licked his face. As soon as Narcie bounced back to Val, the man wandered off as if he was drunk.
“I wish you wouldn’t do that. I can fight my own battles,” Val hissed as they walked further.
Narcie straightened her skirt and fluffed her green hair. “Don’t worry, Vallie. He’s a peon.”
They reached the end of the path of the black carpet and stopped. “I’m not worried. Father didn’t say anything about marriage.”
“But you know it’s coming? I mean, he did say that’s what he wants to bring worlds together.”
Valkyrie rolled her shoulders. “I thought we were talking years from now.”
Narcie shrugged and smirked. “Anything to shit on values more? It’s probably nothing, remember? Symbolism is everything to daddy, dear. It wouldn’t be anything they think it is.”
Valkyrie motioned to continue down the sideway. Narcie scrunched her nose but obliged, and they began to walk down the street. It was away from the cameras, the noise, and people. “What if it’s true? He’s testing me?”
“No, why would he do that? You’ve done everything you can to show him this is your world. They eat from the palm of your hand.”
“Narcie, just follow me a moment,” Val huffed as her pace quickened. “What if it’s true. You know what that means.”
Narcie launched her arm at Val and snagged her arm, yanking them to a stop. “Listen to me, Vallie. Why now? What would serve the purpose? He wouldn’t take your heart from you now. You’ve been obedient.”
Val stopped and breathed to catch up to the moment. She was right. Nothing was complete. The list of needs wasn’t met. Nothing would be suitable for them to continue with the plan. “I’m going insane,” Val laughed.
“Yes, but it’s rather cute. Shall we take a selfie?”
Val exhaled with a nod as she smiled. “Lets.”
They situated away from the street light and Narcie through her arm over Val. Her phone was above them, and Val smiled, but in the reflection, her eyes were focused on the street. The woman next to her didn’t see it? How was this real? Val’s mouth in the screen dropped open as Narcie took the picture.
When Val looked to the busy street, there was a man across from them. That man. Val’s hearing was muted as their eyes met. Music? Light, dreamy music. He stepped out into the street with a dazed expression of awe. Val jumped away from Narcie as she saw the truck barreling down the road.
It was a motion of complete natural reaction, at least she didn’t think it was anything else. Val sprinted in her heels across the street, missing traffic and launching herself into the man. The truck rumbled by them while honking just as her quick action knocked them both to the sidewalk. Her crown toppled to the ground as she panted while staring into blue eyes.
This stranger seemed so familiar. His dark hair was peppered with silver, and his blue eyes bore into her with electric light. Who was he? Her tongue was coated with saliva as she found her voice.
“Are you alright?” She asked.
The man blinked. “You,” he breathed while his thumb traced her birthmark on her arm.
“Why did you walk into traffic?” Val snapped with pinched brows.
The stranger glanced around and hemmed. “You better collect yourself. Your father will be upset.”
Val felt the immediate shock as she looked to see that rubberneckers had their phones out, recording her. The woman climbed from him and snatched up her crown. She straightened her form as the stranger erected himself from the sidewalk.
Her head throbbed. She didn’t think she jostled too much.
“Look, she’s bleeding black,” One of the girls with a phone hissed.
The stranger snapped his vision toward Val, and his eyes grew. Val felt the warm dribble down her nose and swiped it with her arm. Black sludge smeared on her pale skin. Fuck.
“Val! We have to go,” Narcie ordered as she marched up to the woman.
“Who are you?” Val asked the stranger.
“We need to go!” Narcie snapped and pulled Val roughly down the street.
Val glanced back to see the man had disappeared. Her nose kept bleeding, so Narcie handed her a cloth as they paced back toward the meeting place for the afterparty. “Did my father text you?” Val whispered.
“Yes, and it wasn’t good,” Narcie hissed as she continued to tug the woman along. “Not good at all. He said he was unhappy with you.”
Val felt her spine grow a chill as she pinched her nose. That wasn’t a pleasant concept. What would her punishment be? The thoughts raced through Val’s mind as they reached civilization. None of them were sweet dreams. Great.
