*CONTAINS EROTIC SCENERY *

Larry holds the gun firmly to the boy's head. He grips the cloth sack tightly and braces himself for what lies underneath. In a swift motion, the bouncer lifts the bag over Xela’s face. Before his eyes can focus on the beauty before him, his breathing quickens, his brow sweats, and he nearly drops the gun as his palms become sweaty. Luscious lips sit on a soft curved face. Her eyes were closed, but the shape was still flawless.

Without thinking he leans in to smell her breath. He removes the gun from the girl’s temple and lays it on the floor next to them. Larry runs his hand under Xela’s clothes, feeling her warm, enticing skin. He kisses her on the neck. Xela's body flinches, not from the feel of his lips but from a distant memory. A dream of her distant past.

*CONTAINS EROTIC SCENERY *

His door opens to a dull outside hallway. A weak light in the middle barely fights off the darkness. At the end of the pathway, he sees the busy buzzing lights of the streets. Cars zoom by, and taxis drop off inebriated people on the corner. This is the metropolis of Bastion, Manma, the shining city.

The weekend has the municipality engaged in life. With mask and hood on, Xela set onto the street. Colorful flashes coming from a high-rise building are the pulse of Manma. Many tourists come to the city get mesmerized by the freedom and hospitality of the town, but not Xela. It only seems to remind him of the connection others can share. He holds up his hand, signaling the car sitting under a bright streetlight. The vehicle lights pop on as it slowly drifts on side the waiting boy.

*CONTAINS EROTIC SCENERY *

The morning sunlight passes through the open window shades, casting a warm glow from the bedroom into the kitchen. The dull hum of the T.V. plays in the background of the quiet home, detailing the gruesome murder of a well-known therapist. Xela listens while he counts the number of completed pushups “457, 458, 459, 460.”

****

“Dr. Francis Ladle was found last night in his office deceased. The victim had over 24 stab wounds and lacerations covering his body. The main suspect, Jeane Diggs, was also found holding one of the alleged murder weapons, a name plaque. The second suspect has not been identified yet. Facing 2nd-degree murder, she was released on bond to her husband...,”

****

*CONTAINS EROTIC SCENERY *

A light rain drizzles onto the streets of Manma. The towering skyscrapers funnel a chilling breeze through the city. The sounds of splattering steps seem to be in unison as the crowds of people move about their daily lives. Mhmm, it seems like it's gonna be like this all day. The young man adjusts the hood on his head as he looks up at the greyish sky. He shields his eyes from the droplets that land on his facemask.