AnnouncementDISCLAIMER: THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. ALL PLACES, STORY, EVENTS, NAMES AND CHARACTERS FROM THIS WORK ARE FICTITIOUS.

  ANY RESEMBLANCES TO ACTUAL EVENTS OR LOCALES ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL. THIS STORY CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES.

  A Contract with Fate

  Karma. What is Karma? Is it something to be scared of? Yes, as you should be. It’s like a red thread within people. Like a string of fate that is bound to you forever.

  Pulling you up, yet also bringing you down.

  Such only an oblivious being cannot identify what is perpetual and what is not.

  Then, whether what they do is good or bad, there would always be a time where the fee would be paid.

  Thousands of people had paid off their debt, most pay it off little by little, while some tried to pay in full, but it would not be a wise choice for it would not be enough for the greed of mankind.

  Yes. It was always like that. No one could sever their threads. It was like tungsten that stuck onto you. Unmovable.

  A predator that hunts its prey. It was like that. It would wait and wait until the prey would fall into its trap.

  Simple little mind games is all.

  “What kind of rich man is naive?” A man wittyfully chuckled.

  “Maybe for luxuries!” The other man ughed.

  My grip tightened at the edge of the leather book I was holding, while still gazing upon those drunk barons.

  My gaze broke off as the dy server took the used silverware on my table.

  “How about toning down those cold gres? You could practically freeze someone in their tracks.” She told.

  I turned my head up at the dy. She wore rugged brown clothes, wearing a white puff apron.

  She raised her left brow and gave me a judgmental look. Still carrying all the used silverwares in a silver tray.

  My head turned to the book I was holding.

  I let out a heavy breath, smmed the book shut, and stood up from the cold silver chair that I sat on. The golden bell on top of the door jingled as I exited the restaurant.

  “What a strange young man.” The server murmured. Both her brow rose up as she saw 2 gilded coins on top of the table

  “And rich too?” She said.

  . . .

  As I continued to walk down the bustling city, I was in deep thought. Was it the thought of my family’s ruin?

  No it wasn’t.

  But, it was the thought of my own ruin. I searched for knowledge and truthfully I knew that this would elevate my sophistication.

  I craved for that silver lining knowing that I had a greater destiny. But still, it wasn’t enough.

  The thought that the devil could still make me into his little puppet. I could barely see through from all of those tangled threads that apprehended me.

  The thought that the karma would bring back the mountains of guilt before me, and it would bring me down between the cracks where the subduction meet, where I could be hidden and no people would hear me.

  There was that time I did accept and tried to reach the peak of the mountains to overcome it. But I was dragged down a void.

  To my very own void.

  Filled with overflowing guilt that would wash me away. A pool of crimson surrounded me, clutching my leg to haul me down.

  It was a strong force that I couldn’t see and stop.

  I halted as I ended up at a dark alley. I looked around the alley. It seemed familiar.

  Strange. I thought with my hand on my chin. I shaked my head.

  I continued to walk down the dim alley as my inquisitiveness wouldn't be satiable.

  As the sky grew darker, the humid air became cold.

  Suddenly, there was a bright white light that paved a path. I decided to follow it as this was the only thing that would lead me somewhere.

  My journey ended when I saw a huge white vish throne. The shiny gold and riches filled the darkness with its light.

  There was an enormous clock above the throne, surrounded by rge chains, as if it was sealing it.

  My eyes goggled as there was a man, big as a titan sitting on the throne, his gaze on me.

  “Well? What happened to the contract we had? Aren’t you going to do it?” His profound voice echoed.

  I stood still, blinking a few times. The man rested his cheek on his clenched gloved hand, waiting for my answer.

  I had a deal with this man?

  “Are you.. Karma?” I asked. His shadow immensely observed me, looking down upon me. He deeply chuckled.

  “Whatever you think of me.”

  “I could even be Fate.”

  There were slight pauses in his voice. I stared at the man for a little while.

  “Well whatever this contract might be, would it save the mistakes I brought?” I said. The man ughed, longer this time.

  “You were looking for riches? Quite a greedy man.” He replied. My fist balled up. His face was covered with his dark hood yet, I could feel his curved lips.

  “Oh my, I almost forgot you had quite a temper. Although, it’s such a pity you don’t remember.” He broke the silence with his low toned voice.

  Before I could open my mouth, he interrupted me.

  “You may feel confused but, they’re yours to figure out. Time is running out little Teotro.” He said.

  He flicked his finger and a bright light formed a door.

  “Hurry along, you might miss your stop.” I was going to retaliate but my body moved on its own, as if it was obeying his order.

  As I was getting nearer the door.

  “I have one question.” I asked. He flicked his finger once again, breaking me free from his control.

  I turned my head back to him, his strong gaze on me.

  “Why are you helping me?” I continued.

  “If I must say, it’s because I find it quite entertaining.” He replied.

  Suddenly, the gentle breeze coming from the door turned violent and sucked me in.