1 Chapter 1

A black canvas, at least once, it had been.

For regularly, this canvas was sprayed with white specks of paint. Frequently, the former was accompanied by a ball of gray stain that interludes in a fixed period. Occasionally, a mass of navy blue ink swept the whole area. And rarely, nearly sporadic, this canvas was smudged with numerous coating.

A black canvas, at least once, the night had been. And at this period of darkness, a painter of great hands, wished this day need not end same as the old dismal times.

It was a special night intended not only for two am night owls, cuddling lovers, and meandering stargazers. But also, for certain researchers who had long anticipated the 'questionable'. And today it came, out of the blue, also, none of what they saw matched their expectations.

Across the night sky, it sailed towards the east. A celestial body, of ice and dust; it smeared the ebony canvas with daylight blue and hazy twilight. Colors spawn, mix, glimmer, divide and then vanish into thin air.

"My, what's special about a chunk of rock?!" Small words from seemingly mediocre minds! Since was it really?

This claimed 'a mere rock' had found its way back onto this world's atmosphere, which also, the closest to pass by. Publicized reports informed comets being active over a record of about ten thousand years. However, tonight's comet had lived and strayed nearly a hundred million years in the cosmos. And with just that, one could deem this site a 'once in a lifetime'. It had exceeded the ordinary!

And thus, experts, quoted,

"It was impossible," or in other words, "A miracle."

For this reason, alas for the people on the sun-drenched side of the world, they were doomed to miss this miracle. Amongst the blessed, Synnaveille Town was held the most fortunate. The heavens pampered them once again by offering the people the best view.

Compared to the brightest moon the old folks witnessed, they doubt not the comet sheered luminance ten times better; more than enough to illuminate the whole cultivating town.

Yet, for some reason, the beauty of the scene has lost its meaning, as youngsters, teens, and aged were watching it with their awe filled-eyes and faint sad smiles. An inevitable noise, then shocked the night. So frightening and familiar, that whenever it echoes in the town, they pray for the life that it has taken, for another blood was spilled on this so-called innocent land.

By the shaded alley, men on their blue set of clothes were sprinting towards where the sound elapsed, in search of its rigid source. They knew of this slaughter in advance, yet sadly, some details were amiss.

"Humans err, and the Law is created as a reason not to." Those petty words came cold out of her mouth, matching the emotionless gaze staring at the crimson floor. The fluorescent light lit the gruesome sight, causing the thick crimson red liquid to glitter in beauty. The midnight wind barged in from the open terrace, embracing her light-dressed figure in semi-shorts, sleeveless shirt, and vest all dyed in black. Her wavy auburn hair resting upon her shoulders slid down due to the current of the air. Gracefully, the strands sway and dance as it passed by.

"To err is human and judgment is also not for them to bestow." A reply came.

She took a glance at her back. Far in front of her stood an almost-bald man of white robes and with a face not catering even a hint of common fear. By himself, he sheared away his fear to clamor these words, for he was there when the massacre began.

Her numb ruby orbs collided with his azure gaze. And there, she judged him as a man who deserves to live.

"Well said," After the short delay, she finally replied with the same numb face.

Familiar was this mysterious woman to the priest, not as a friend, but as a fiend herself. Written all over her, he could tell; the lack of crease in her young face suggested to him this woman's non-joyous trait, while the gun in her hand hinted to him how dangerous she was. Worse, she had those blasé eyes.

Twenty wicked lives found their equally wicked deaths in her hands. However, to her, it was only a mere number. She gave herself that purpose. To be the evil one just to hunt hostile humans that had lost their sole humanity, even if it means she would lose hers too. No one would even wonder why she decided to numb her heart away from any warmth. After all, to the people, she's nothing but a murderer.

Footsteps, of seemingly a dozen men, ruptured outside the room. She heaved her gaze beyond the priest, locking it at the door. It is time for her to leave.

"Judge me, Father, for God himself can't stop me." She, with her haughty tone, ended their terse conversation.

Her feet jogged towards the open terrace, jumped over three lifeless bodies, and finally, she reached the railing. Upon looking down, she found herself far above the empty ground; to be exact, at the third story of the building.

But this woman was determined. She wasted no doubt. With her right hand on the fence, she jumped. Still in the midair, she looked up to the heavens. The glimmering ball of blue and orange light was reflected on her crimson red orbs, piercing through her barren and young soul. Now that she saw it up close this time than the last time she discovered it, she felt bliss.

Days back, while peeping at the lens, she found her and instead of using her own name, she settled on the name Astrid. Not that she found a strange connection with it, but the fact that its existence was rather odd or even impossible.

Breaking every bit of firm Laws of physics.

The comet illuminated her with splendid elegance. No one would witness it, but surely another miracle's about to happen. With eyes wide open, she watched herself slowly being engulfed by an emerald light, starting from her feet then climbing up to her head. Time slowed down as her memories overlapped.

She was born together with a dream once. To hold a weapon in the means of protecting life, to stop and catch people like whom she was now. Even though such a dream failed to relate to her parent's career, she was gladly supported in her chosen will.

However, not long after her measly wish was proclaimed, fate declared her be on the way of suffering and revenge. They molded her in the nastiest way.

They made watch her parents murdered, gunned to death. They made her watch the smallest speck of Justice, crushed to bits. Worse, they made her watch her trespassers shine upon the heavens, happy and free.

Oh, those sinners, they let her live, let loose due to so-called mercy. And that was their grim mistake, for they had broken her. This young girl had nothing but resentment and the will of watching them die.

She then continued her life; heading to the path her parents would have likely wanted her to take, Astronomy. But that was not the only case. As this young, seemingly innocent astronomer sought possible life outside this wicked world, she's also silently learning the art of taking life. Believing that one day; she will be free from her torments.

And now that she questioned God, what life does He have in store for her?