Silent Contemplation
516 words


The apartment was unremarkable. The plain walls and mis-matched furniture didn’t offer much insight into its occupant’s personality, except perhaps thriftiness. As if to demonstrate this, the only light illuminating the apartment was that of the muted TV which displayed its pictures for an absent audience. The apartment’s sole occupant had moved to large window that overlooked King Boulevard, watching the passing cars without enthusiasm; her mind was elsewhere.

Today she had done something needlessly reckless, something that had put her life at risk. It was done in duty to a leader, to a Queen, and yet she had not done it without hesitation. Not too long ago, her life was priceless. She cared only for herself, loved only herself, and served only herself. To willingly risk her life in such a way for another was incomprehensible. At least, it had been.

She still didn’t care about anyone else. They had their uses, and they had starseeds, but otherwise she wouldn’t even blink at the death of another. No one got that close to her, could make her care enough. No one. Yet, here was someone she had put her life on the line for, someone that had power over her and could bend her to her will. Had such a possibility been mentioned to her before, she might have laughed. Things were changing though; she was changing.

This woman, this Queen- she had given her things she longed for. She gave her strength, power, and the ability to make a difference. Most importantly, she had given her feelings. The feel of a starseed in her hand was… invigorating. Nothing could compare. The rush caused by the thump of a bass, the adrenaline of being a first responder; nothing. It made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Of course, everything had its price. Feeling that jolt of power from a starseed usually required a payment in pain. Punching, kicking, biting, scratching; all things she’d felt before. Her body had adjusted quickly, registering the pain as a signal for future starseeds, as a prelude to pleasure. The pain hurt, stung, but was bittersweet, a reminder of what was to come. Fights were dances, dances were foreplay, and the starseed was the final goal.

Now came the puzzle, the unexpected twist. In risking her life, she had gained a new one. She was now Silent Night, the wrestler famous for defeating Don Diablos. The TV had prattled on about it all night, resulting in its muting. She had no need to hear the stories and speculations about an event she had witnessed first hand. Besides, their reports were incomplete. They did not know the importance of the jewel she now kept in her possession. They didn’t understand her actions and what they signified: change. She was still numb, cold even, but the Negaverse had found ways to light the occasional fire within her: fighting, pain, and starseeds. It was an addiction, forcing her to change to support her new habit, but it was oh so worth it.

You’re sick of feeling numb
You’re not the only one
I’ll take you by the hand
and I’ll show you a world that you can understand