Rain still drizzled over the Deadlands streets, but inside the barracks, the chill of the cell was enough to remind anyone imprisoned of their mortality.
"Razor Sunny," a guard called, bowing slightly as Sunny approached the prison.
"Was the boy they brought still inside?" Sunny asked, eyes narrowing.
"Yes, sir. He's still there," the guard replied, voice wavering slightly.
"Okay, I'm going in. Make sure not to disturb us," Sunny said, patting the guard on the shoulder.
The guard froze, but Sunny's glare cut deeper than any blade.
"Nothing, sir. You can go," he stammered, bowing in fear before retreating.
Sunny approached the cell door, the keys jingling softly in his hand. With a swift twist, the lock fell open, and he stepped inside. RV looked up, fear etched into his features.
"Why did you come here? Just go away," RV said, his voice trembling.
Sighing, Sunny shook his head. "Newbie, I told you to stay in your room."
RV had no words. The weight of his impending execution hung over him like a suffocating fog.
"This is what happens when you don't listen to someone who knows better," Sunny said, voice steady but firm.
RV's eyes flicked to the clock box in Sunny's hand the one with the familiar drawing, identical to the design on his totem. "Who gave you that?" he asked, his voice a whisper, fear and awe mingling.
"Stop changing the subject," Sunny snapped. "Focus on what matters right now."
RV swallowed hard. "It… it matters. I kept it for a reason… because I wish Zion was real."
"You don't even understand the situation you're in," Sunny said, voice low. "You're going to die tomorrow for trespassing. Six feet under. Don't pretend to act tough."
RV's façade cracked. Tears streamed down his face, and his small body shook uncontrollably. "Sunny… please… please do me a favor…" he begged, the reality of his situation sinking in.
"What is it?" Sunny asked, crouching slightly to meet his gaze.
"If someone sees me leave and you encounter my parents… tell them I love them. Tell them I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused," RV said, voice breaking.
Sunny's jaw tightened. "You know I can't promise that," he said quietly, looking away.
RV's tears came faster, splattering onto the cold stone floor. "Please… help me…"
Sunny sighed, then produced a small key from his coat. "Fine," he muttered, unlocking the chains around RV. "Wait here."
RV's eyes widened in relief as he slid free from the shackles.
"Follow me," Sunny said, and together they moved silently through the dimly lit corridors of the prison.
They arrived at a hidden passage, barely wide enough for two people to move side by side. Sunny turned to RV. "From here, you're on your own. If you get caught, you'll either be brought back or killed. Understand?"
RV nodded, swallowing hard. "Why are you helping me?"
Sunny smirked faintly, a shadow of melancholy in his eyes. "Remember me? I'm just a friend who's already… half dead. No hard feelings. Go now."
RV grabbed a fire stick for light and darted into the tunnel, each step carrying him farther from certain death. His life was finally his own.
Meanwhile, Sunny emerged from the passageway, unaware that eyes were once again tracking him from the shadows—this was the third time someone had been observing him.
"Razor Sunny," a guard called, hurrying toward him. "The king wants to see you in his chambers."
Sunny straightened, suppressing the unease rising in his chest. "Okay. I'll be there," he replied.
The chambers were warm, a stark contrast to the tension that filled Sunny's mind. King Talon sat behind a massive desk, a cigarette in hand, the smoke curling lazily in the dim light.
"I know what you've been doing, Sunny, my boy," the king said without looking up.
Sunny's heart raced. Did he see me helping RV escape? But King Talon's gaze didn't linger in judgment; it seemed… reflective.
"I've seen you watching the horizon more than once," the king continued, finally lifting his eyes to meet Sunny's.
Sunny exhaled quietly. The matter wasn't RV; it was something else entirely.
"When I was your age," King Talon said, leaning back in his chair, "I had the same thoughts you're having now. About what's beyond the Deadlands, about what lies out there. But listen carefully, Sunny… there is nothing beyond the borders. You can trust me on that."
"Yes, my king," Sunny replied with a low tone, bowing respectfully.
"The new construction has been completed few days ago," Talon continued. "One of the buildings will be yours to use a sign of your position among the Razors."
Sunny raised an eyebrow. "Is there a reason for this, my king?"
"Yes," King Talon said, tapping the desk. "I want you closer to me and my family. With you here, I can sleep peacefully with both eyes closed."
"Consider it done, my king," Sunny said, nodding.
"Good. War is coming," the king said, voice lowering. "Other sovereigns are plotting, but they will never take this sector. Why? Because you and I are here. Together, nothing can stand in our way."
"What about Ryan? He'll cause a fuss if he finds out," Sunny asked.
"Family and business are separate," King Talon said firmly. "I cannot let my judgment be clouded by personal ties. Now go. Get some rest."
"Yes, my lord," Sunny said, bowing once more before leaving the chambers.
Outside, the cool night air greeted him. Somewhere nearby, Jane and Ryan embraced, oblivious to the heavy burdens of war, loyalty, and secrets pressing down on Sunny.
Narrator:
Everyone carries their own troubles, Sunny thought, watching the rain glisten under the lantern light. King Talon is burdened with an upcoming war, I'm torn between family and loyalty, and RV has escaped… can he survive alone in this brutal world of the Deadlands?
He turned toward the horizon, shadows stretching across the streets, and felt the weight of the choices yet to come.