No Holes Barred: The Awakening

Britenia tossed an expressionless glance at her mentor. “Why should I even bother?”

“You have been wronged Brit. All of your people have been wronged.”

Britenia scanned the satellite, located at the end of the gateway that Rupshel had brought her through. It was a colorless piece of rock, floating in the galaxy, bearing nothing except boulders and stones and pits of various sizes. It was as dead as she was, as dead as the enormous bolder they stood in front of that burrowed nondescriptly into the satellite’s pebbled surface, looking as much a part of the terrain as any other of the enormous rocks. In its stone façade the words, No Holes Barred was carved appearing as though a passerby had haplessly scratched into the surface. But Rupshel told her it was the entrance to the spa club and resort that she would reside at for as many dawnings as it took.

“It doesn't look like much of a place to find deliverance.”

“Not true child.” Rupshel cast his glance to the large boulder. “Many travelers pass through the cosmic gateways to this satellite play land, some stay awhile and some go. Inside you will find creatures from the galaxies far and wide. Emotions abound.”

The elderly man tipped his head toward Britenia and scratched his ancient purple-gray beard. His voice lowered an octave though his tone was still firm. “You may find joy here my dear.”

“I doubt I'll ever have that gift again, Rupshel.” Brit stared at the rocky wall in front of her. “Nothing holds meaning for me. I remain empty.”

“Ah child,” Rupshel glided over to her, his long flowing robes caressing the ground as he moved. He was the epitome of a life time of wisdom and knowledge, four centuries of learning he put to claim under his belt. “Do I detect despair within you?”

Brit’s head snapped around so she could look her mentor in the eye. “It is an emotion, yes?”

“It is.”