Chapter 4: Darby the Space Pirate

The atmosphere in Marley's Inn grew taut with trepidation as the pirate stranger claimed a seat at the bar. Casually tossing a few silver coins onto the counter, he called for a beer. Slowly, the diverse assembly of patrons and creatures resumed their activities, adopting an air of feigned nonchalance. In Ravenside, minding one's own business was a cardinal rule.

Descending the creaky wooden steps, I approached the bar where the stranger sat. His black hair was surprisingly elegant, and he exuded the pungent, skunky aroma of a potent, earthy herb—an herb I would come to know well in later years, but that is a story for another time. Before I could speak, the stranger fixed me with a penetrating gaze, beckoning me closer with a crooked finger. Bending down, I heard him whisper, "You're a damned one, aren't you, boy? I can sense the energy of that ruby ring—such a vile aura." Recoiling in shock, I demanded, "Who are you? And why did you kill that man outside?"

"I am the most infamous space pirate in all the cosmos," he boasted. "Some call me The Star Thief, others know me as Darby the Saint—though I assure you, I am far from saintly." My flat, uninterested tone belied any concern as I replied, "I've never heard of you." Darby's expression registered surprise at my admission, and in truth, I doubted anyone at the inn recognized his name. "You all need to explore more," he grumbled, taking a swig of his beer, his earlier bravado momentarily deflated. For a cold-blooded killer, he seemed an oddly whimsical character.

"The man I killed outside was a bounty I'd been pursuing for years. My search led me to this wretched city, and once I've regained my composure, I'll return to my ship and leave this forsaken place far behind," Darby explained, his languid eyes betraying a weariness that hinted he might fall asleep at any moment. "How do you know I'm damned and about my ruby ring?" I pressed. "My boy, you do ask a lot of questions, don't you? It may have been mere coincidence that I landed on this forsaken planet, but when you've traversed the cosmos as extensively as I have, you learn things—and you encounter people...and gods. I presume Orphease deceived you," Darby said, a knowing grin spreading across his face.

"Regrettably, yes. I had nothing else going for me. How do you know of Orphease? Are you damned as well?" I asked, a pained expression etched upon my face. Darby chuckled, placing his empty beer mug on the table. His demeanor shifted, his voice growing cold and dark. "Orphease was once my god. My poor boy, you must be experiencing unimaginable torment," he sympathized.

"You used to serve Orphease?" I asked, my shock evident. "How did you manage to free yourself?" I pleaded for an answer. "Free?" Darby's smile returned as he lit a hand-rolled cigarette. It emitted that peculiar herbal scent I had noticed earlier. "It's a lengthy tale, lad, but suffice it to say, I no longer bow before any god. I performed my deeds and earned my way out." He paused, his gaze drifting toward the window as the strange smoke wafted from his mouth.

"Can you help me?" I implored. Darby appraised me curiously. "There might be a way... but it would be an exceedingly arduous task, a monumental challenge indeed," he murmured. "What must I do?" I inquired, desperation tingeing my voice. Darby's laughter subsided as he locked eyes with me, his gaze piercing my very soul. "You must slay him... and become him," he declared.

I stood there, speechless, unable to form words. The thought of how I could possibly slay a god seemed unfathomable. "My boy, why do you look so ashen?" Darby chortled, choking on his smoke. "How could I kill a god?" I inquired. "Well, obviously, you couldn't possibly defeat a god in your current state, nor with the weapons and armor you presently possess. Don't get ahead of yourself," he smirked. However, I was resolute. It was a mission I had to undertake, even if it demanded years of arduous dedication. And indeed, many years it did take.

"Tell you what, lad. How about you join me? We can traverse the cosmos, and there, you may find more enlightening answers. Besides, what will you do in this forsaken place? Languish and ponder your own demise for the remainder of your days?" Darby proposed, extinguishing his herbal cigarette. "I'm not sure…" I hesitated, but Darby interrupted me before I could complete my thought. "Meet me at the docks at noon tomorrow. We'll set sail into the cosmos and discover what awaits us both. For now, I shall retire to a chamber and slumber away my sorrows." With a snap of his fingers, he rose and ambled toward one of the guest rooms in the inn, tossing coins onto the counter before disappearing behind the door.

I wrestled with the monumental decision for hours in my chamber, torn between two sides of myself. A part of me yearned to explore the cosmos and witness the vast expanse of existence. But another part of me dreaded the thought of the unspeakable atrocities I might commit if I lost control again. To satiate Orphease's hunger and thirst for blood, I had to kill.

Midnight arrived, and the moon hung full in the sky. As I lay in my bed, the ring began to moan and pulsate. It was time to kill. I sprang from my chamber and into the bustling inn, making my way outside without a word.

Pain seared through my body, originating at the tip of my spine and radiating like lightning through every limb and bone. I could sense the heartbeats and auras of people nearby – some radiating innocence, others tainted with malevolence. The rage ignited within my heart, and I sprinted into the night, seeking solace in a dark alleyway.

I stumbled, clutching at the brick walls of the surrounding buildings, and toppled over trash cans before collapsing to the ground, writhing and screaming. "Feed us," the ring growled. Desperately, I tried to resist, searching for any remnants of the girl's memory to cling to, but the darkness swallowed me whole. The light at the end of the tunnel had vanished.

A group of four merchants entered the alleyway. Their diminutive statures and hairy bodies marked them as Furbos, feline-like humanoids renowned throughout the cosmos as distinguished traders, offering only the finest of products. One approached me, his large, sympathetic orange eyes meeting mine. "Are you all right, boy?" he asked, patting me on the back.

"Rudon, let's leave him. The kid looks no good," warned another Furbo, tugging at his companion's shoulder. "Leave me, please, for your own sake," I snarled, but it was too late. I plunged my blade into the heart of the nearest Furbo, his gaze locked with mine as the ring consumed his soul. "Please, leave!" I cried to the remaining three, who leaped up and scrambled to escape the narrow alleyway.

But my hands and thoughts possessed a will of their own. Clutching Dream Ender, I fired three shots in rapid succession, each bullet finding its mark as the heads of the three fleeing Furbos erupted in a gruesome display. I sank to my knees, a giggle bubbling up and morphing into hysterical laughter echoing through the night. Was it born of anger and regret, or was Orphease slowly corrupting my very soul?

I staggered from that alleyway, leaving behind a crimson trail, my sword scraping against the ground. "Surrender to my desires, and your life will be easier," Orphease's voice growled from the ruby ring. "Damn you, Orphease," I snarled back, appearing as a madman speaking to himself. "I will conquer this madness," I vowed. How many more souls must I claim?

I returned to Marley's Inn long past the witching hour. The establishment buzzed with life, throngs of orcs and other mythical beings reveling in drink and conversation. But I had no time for pleasantries. My resolve had hardened: I needed to escape this god-forsaken planet and search for a purpose beyond my servitude to Orphease.

Ascending to my room, I went unnoticed by Marley, preoccupied with his patrons. The following morning, I awoke with the dawn, donned my armor, and gathered my weapons. I left five gold coins on the nightstand—far more than I owed—and penned a note: "Thank you, Marley, for your kindness. I'm leaving, uncertain if I'll ever return. I wish you the best... Yours, Leon."

I despised farewells more than anything, it seemed. I'd never done anything quite like this, but it was the only gesture of kindness that remained within the monster I had become.

Stepping out of the inn, I felt a pang in my chest, as though it might be the last time I'd pass through those doors. I strode towards the east side of the city, where a colossal watchtower loomed, its neon lights flashing a mesmerizing array of colors. Beneath it lay the docks, an advanced, floating marvel above the ocean. There, vessels meant for sea voyages mingled with space pirate ships destined for the cosmos.

I navigated a narrow path that led to multiple docking stations, finding Darby attempting to woo an elven woman. Her fiery red hair and exquisite green dress made her an enchanting sight. "My lady, how may I be at your service?" Darby flirted, a cocky grin plastered across his face. As he reached for her hand, intending to plant a kiss, she recoiled. "I don't need any of your services, you creep," she snapped, slapping him before vanishing into the crowd.

"You alright?" I asked Darby, concerned. "As fine as I'll ever be, boy," he replied, rubbing his reddened cheek. "Come on, this way. The crew is boarding, and we mustn't keep them waiting." Darby led me through throngs of people, and at the end of the pathway, a security robot scanned us. "Check completed," it announced before we proceeded.

Entering the loading area, my eyes widened at the spectacle before me. "This is the Crimson Lady, my true beloved," Darby declared, gesturing toward his space pirate ship. Crafted from the finest materials the cosmos could offer, magical orbs nestled within the ship's core, encased in protective shields. Five laser cannons adorned each side, and the vessel's black and red exterior gleamed menacingly. Atop the sails, a massive red skull emblazoned with X's for eyes would forever sear itself into my memory.

As I ambled along the majestic ship, my hand glided over its sleek hull, marveling at the craftsmanship. I'd spent countless nights lying in squalid alleyways, gazing at these ships as they soared above me, dreaming of the day I would set foot upon one. "How did you acquire such a vessel?" I inquired, the thought crossing my mind that Darby might be a person of importance.

"I won it in a bet with my life, boy," Darby replied, grinning as he twirled the end of his mustache. "Now, come this way." He led me up a series of steps and a ladder, onto the deck of the ship. The flooring was adorned with intricate designs, and the advanced technology throughout gave the impression of being aboard an old-world sailing vessel.

"All assemble!" Darby bellowed, and six men promptly gathered. "Ahoy, Captain!" they shouted in unison, saluting their leader. "Excellent," Darby said, bowing to his crewmates. "I assume all preparations are complete, and we're ready to set sail for...?" He paused, waiting for a response.

"Orecon B, sir. We have a bounty there," a short, stocky man with a buzz cut and scars peppering his arms and face informed us. His hardened demeanor suggested he was not one to trifle with. "The planet is lushful jungle, but rumors abound of an elven trafficking operation hidden amidst the rubble. Our target is the leader, ZoZo Lugar. He's a red orc – a highly dangerous individual, heavily guarded, and wanted dead or alive."

"Well done, Zig," Darby commended. "Everyone, we have a guest joining us on our journey. This is Leon. Treat him well, but don't be too soft on him – he's capable of cutting you down." Darby winked as he introduced me to the crew, ushering me into a world of adventure and danger that would change my life forever.