A journalist interviews a sacrificial tribute in their final days.
There is an island, an island with a bizarre way of living. It's a way of life that has been gone for ages as civilization spread but still lingered in this place even to this day. It's the act of sacrificing individuals to deities unseen, a tradition frowned upon the modern world.
What could the be reason behind it? Who's this deity they're speaking of? And more importantly, who's the unlucky pony that they're going sacrifice?
These are the questions that Permanent Marker will unfold as he enters the mysterious and magical island of Heartfire Isle.
The camera panned its view towards an earth pony mare sitting on a balcony overlooking the cliff. She had short black hair that cascaded down her neck, a pair of golden eyes adorned her almond complexion and she was wearing casual clothing which consisted of short shorts and a tank top. She was staring at the volcano on the horizon. A gray spire of smoke could be seen coming out from its crater.
The stallion behind the camera cleared his throat. This caught the attention of the mare, who turned to look at the screen. “Let’s start the interview.” The stallion said.
The screen cut to a clip of an overhead view of a small island located in the middle of an ocean. From the looks of things, one could immediately tell that the island was isolated. No power lines were present, no urban infrastructures could be seen, and the only thing that resembled civilization on this piece of land was the houses made of concrete and wood that were scattered around nearby fields of crops.
“Heartfire is a little island located two-hundred and fifty kilometers west of the Pony-nesian Islands.” The narrator began. “It’s an isolated island in every sense of the word and has little to no contact with the modern world. The people living there are said to have developed a bizarre kind of lifestyle, but that was not the only quirk this island has in store. Legends say that the island itself is alive. And that their locals revere to is as some sort of deity. Every ten years or so this deity is said to demand a sacrifice…a human sacrifice to appease it or it will purge the island of its living inhabitants with an all-consuming fire out of its volcano that was located at its center. The locals were said to have made a grave mistake several years ago of defying the deity. And they paid dearly for it, losing three-fourths of their population in one fiery and disastrous incident. Since then, the people of Heartfire complied with what it wanted and life on the island has been quiet ever since.”
“Despite being a reclusive group of people, I managed to arrange an interview with them, specifically with this decade’s sacrificial tribute. I am Permanent Marker, and this is Seven Days And A Sacrifice.”
“Can you tell us your name?” Marker said behind the camera.
“Come on, you already know that.” The mare on the screen quipped. She grinned as she said so.
“It’s for documentation purposes.”
“Lei Hulu.”
“Age?”
“I’m not telling.” Lei grinned again at the camera, this time with a bit more hint of mischief.
There was a brief moment of silence within the exchange. One could easily sense the slight feeling of frustration that emanated from behind the camera.
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” Lei said. “I’m twenty-two years old, the youngest tribute so far. Do you want to get coffee after this? I really love the look on your face when you get the uh, what do you call it again? Oh right, the jitters.”
“Maybe. Now let’s get back to the interview.”
Lei Hulu was Heartfire Island’s thirty-seventh sacrificial tribute. The middle child in a family of five, her parents earn their living as farmers. They were living a rather humble life when all of a sudden the local government delivered them the news that would completely change their lives.
“What was your family’s reaction when you got chosen as this decade’s tribute?”
“They were horrified,” Lei answered matter-of-factly. “My father had dark skin from spending too much time fishing under the sun but when I saw him talking to the government people, his face turned white as snow! I knew something bad was going on by then. I just didn’t realize it was that bad.”
“Did they ever oppose the decision?”
“Of course not! Although deep down I knew that they want to, but it’s for the greater good and people’s lives depend on it.”
“I see.”
“Plus, they’d be living like kings when the whole ritual finishes anyway.” Lei added.
“I want you to elaborate on that.”
“Elaborate?” Lei tilted her head in confusion, probably wondering what the word meant.
“Sorry, I mean explain in great detail.” Marker said.
“Elaborate.” A small smile formed on Lei’s face. “I learned a new word from you again. Jitters, snow, and elaborate.”
“Yes, yes,” Even though Marker was behind the screen, it was easy to tell that he was waving off what Lei said. “Now about the part where your family will live like kings?”
“Later. Can we get coffee first?”
There was another brief moment of silence behind the screen.
“Please?” Lei said with pleading eyes.
Marker could only sigh softly at his interviewee’s request.
The screen cut to an interior view of a small coffee shop located beside the street. It was nothing like the ones that could be seen in an urban setting. Calling the menu ‘limited’ was being generous. The shop literally had only one flavor of coffee they were serving to their customers, and it was the local native type. Lei, along with the unseen Marker was sitting at a table beside the windows. On their table were two small cups of native coffee and a glass jar filled with brown sugar. The sounds of stirring cups, and gentle breeze occupied by the occasional passing carriage near the street added to the rural appeal of the place. It might be small, but it was definitely relaxing.
“Feeling shaky yet?” Lei said to Marker as she took a sip of her hot beverage.
“Not yet.” Marker replied flatly.
“Drink more then. Everything’s free for us here.” Lei gave a sly wink at the end.
“Is everything really free for the tribute?”
“I think so.” Lei said as she put down her cup, a small wisp of steam was coming out of it. “I have a strong feeling that I can get away with anything at this point. Except for killing people, that is.” She then went back to drinking her coffee, but not without blowing on it slightly first.
“So about living like kings…” Marker reminded her.
“Oh right,” Lei said as she put her cup down once more. “My family will receive special treatment from the government once everything is over. They’ll get a new house, a bigger one than the one we have right now, a piece of land for us to farm on, and a very large pension. They’re pretty much set for life.” She then took another sip out of her cup after that.
“And they’ll be spending it without you.”
Lei almost did a spit-take upon hearing Marker’s words. “Rub it on my face, will you?”
The camera flickered on at the sight of a blue cold hill. It got a nice view of its topside, a lush patch of land filled with all kinds of flora. It was still dawn and there was no sun rising from the horizon yet. Yet despite the early period, there were already crowds of young mares gathered on top of the hill. They were quietly chanting some sort of prayer, all in unison. They were wearing white ceremonial robes, a stark contrast to the soft lighting that the blue hill they were standing on projected. The screen turned to look at Lei, who was standing beside the camera the entire time. Like the other mares, she was also wearing a white robe. She, however, was not praying alongside them. She instead looked bored, like she doesn’t want to be there.
“Why did we have to continue the interview here?” Mark asked. His voice sounded groggy, clearly he just woke up a couple moments ago.
“Just bear with me on this one,” Lei said without looking at the camera. “I want you to keep me company until the mares here are done chanting.”
Marker let out a yawn before he could reply. “If you say so.”
“Thanks for showing up though. I hated doing the dawn prayers. I’m so glad that I won’t be doing them anymore because you know…”
Once more, there was a brief moment of silence.
“It’s just a joke!” Lei laughed as she looked at the camera. “I’m the one dying here but you look sadder than me!” All the mares near Lei quickly shushed her for interrupting the serene moment that they were building for quite some time now.
“Oops.” Lei said as she scratched the back of her head.
“It’d be best if we keep quiet for now.”
“Yes, yes.” Lei agreed.
After the dawn prayers were done. All the mares who participated in the ceremony descended towards the beach for breakfast. There were rows of tables that were filled to the brim with food just waiting for them. Some were so eager to have their first meal of the day that they skipped walking and opted to rush down the tables instead. As Lei and Marker arrived at the beach, the camera caught sight of the food that was being served to the participants.
The tables were filled with freshly cooked rice and assorted cooked vegetables that were placed down on banana leaves. They emanated a rather appetizing scent, perfect for those who just woke up with an empty stomach. The mares spared no time digging in. Everyone was enjoying their meal while having an idle chat here and there. It was a festive sight, a refreshing change of pace from the somber praying just moments before.
“Where are all the stallions?” Marker asked Lei. “I feel a bit out of place here.”
“They left after preparing breakfast,” Lei answered before shoving down a sizable portion in her mouth. “The dawn prayers are for young mares only, Heartfire’s future tributes.”
“And I’m an exception because…”
“Because you’re with me, simple as that.”
“Of course.”
Lei grabbed a thermos from the table a poured herself a cup of coffee. “Eat up. All the vegetables here are freshly picked. Ooh!” She pointed a finger at a large steamed potato that was barely touched yet. “Pick that! My father and brothers grew that one!”
The camera panned on the same beach that the mares from earlier had breakfast on, except it was now evening. The tables from earlier were no longer there, instead they were replaced with rows of torches that softly illuminate the beach with a warm orange glow. Unlike from hours ago which was filled with merry chatting mares, the beach was now mostly empty this time aside from the typical couple that took a leisurely stroll at night. The place was quieter too, with the only sounds breaking the silence being the sounds of the waves and nightly breeze. A figure of a picnic table at the corner of the screen caught Marker’s attention. He walked towards it and took a seat.
“Sorry I’m late!” The screen turned to look at the source of the voice. It was Lei, she was carrying a saddle bag stuffed with plastic containers.
“What took you so long?” Marker asked.
“I kinda slept in.” Lei flashed an apologetic smile. “It’s still four in the afternoon, right?”
“It’s already six.”
Lei laughed at Marker’s reply. “I know. I’m just kidding.” She placed her bag on top of the picnic table and sat at the seat adjacent to him.
“Let’s proceed with the interview.” Marker said. “I don’t want to be late for tonight’s feast.”
“Oh, I already brought our share here.” Lei said as she opened her bag and unloaded all the contents inside on the table. “I took as much deep-fried water spinach as I can carry. You liked its crispy leaves, right?” She opened a plastic box and revealed what was inside, nothing but chopped strips of the deep fried dish. “This right here is filled with nothing but water spinach!”
“You didn’t have to go through such trouble for me. But still, thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” Lei said. “It’s the least I could do for being late anyway.”
“Speaking of being late, we should start the interview now.”
“Oh sure, sure.” Lei paused before continuing. “Can I eat during the interview?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Nice!” Lei said as she opened the remaining plastic containers and began to dig in.
“So how did you feel upon knowing that you’re this decade’s tribute?”
Once the question registered inside her head, Lei instantly stared at the camera with a dumbfounded look. She was halfway done from chewing her food when Marker sprung the question at her, which gave her a squirrel-like appearance with those stuffed cheeks of hers. She made the silent but also awkward gesture of gulping down her food as she continued to stare at the camera.
“Sorry.” Marker apologised. “I shouldn’t have started with a question that heavy.”
“No, it’s fine. I can answer it.” Lei reassured him. “I was sad when I heard about it, of course. Sad and scared. Sad that I won’t get to live as an old lady like I wanted to, and scared of whatever happens after I die.”
“Does your religion have an established afterlife of some sort?”
“For the tributes, there’s one. Legend has it that all sacrificed tributes are living inside the volcano, sitting with Kelayo at his table of gold in the banquet of eternity. As for Hearfire’s common citizen however, their souls will be laid on top of a table made of stone. Then one of Kelayo’s servants of fire will open up their chests with a knife and, rip out their hearts. If their heart glows bright, they’re allowed to join the banquet, but if their heart is darker than the night, then the servants will turn their souls into appetizers for Kelayo to feast on.”
“That sounds painful.”
Lei folded in her arms in contemplation. “I don’t believe in it though.”
“You don’t believe in it?”
“I think it’s nonsense.”
“But you said you were scared of it just now.”
“Oh I’m scared, just not with that.” Lei quickly answered. “The thing that scares me the most when I die is not that mumbo jumbo legend, but the cold dark nothingness that death itself brings. I’ll be all alone, in a completely black place, no one to talk to, can’t tell what day it is, imprisoned in a sea of total darkness….forever and ever.”
“I have to admit, that does sound scary.”
“I know right?” Lei said as she took another helping of her dinner.
“Let’s uh, move on to the next question.”
Lei hummed in agreement as she stuffed her cheeks with food once more.
“Has the thought of running away ever crossed your mind?”
Lei immediately gulped her food down to answer the question. “No. Why would I think of something like that when the lives of many are at stake?” A sly smirk formed on her face. “But if it were you though, do you want me to run away?” She rested her face on the back of her hands, eagerly awaiting Marker’s answer.
“I-uh…” John was a bit taken aback by Lei’s question. “Why are you asking me that question?”
Lei’s smirk grew wider. “I just want to know your thoughts about this entire matter, that’s all.”
“I-I see.”
“So do you want me to run away?”
“I really don’t want to answer that.”
“Oh come on.” Lei leaned in closer. “It will be just for the two us.” She whispered the last part to make it sound more intimate.
Marker let out a drawn-out sigh before he could reply. “Morally? No. Personally?” There was a pregnant pause before he could continue.
“Yes.”
“Aww.” Lei’s sly smirk was replaced with one of sincerity. “You do care for me.”
“Don’t tell anyone I said that. Ever.”
“I’ll take it to the grave.” It took a while before Lei realized what she just said. But when she did, her eyes went wide and her face made an expression like a bell has suddenly rung inside her head. She then erupted into laughter.
“Oh Celestia.” Marker said, all the while snorting. “I’m such a terrible person for laughing at that.” His words may have said one thing but his actions spoke another. He was trying his best not to laugh at Lei’s impromptu joke, but he was failing spectacularly.
“You’re loosening up.” Lei said, her smile never fading. “I like that.”
Marker cleared his throat in a half-baked attempt to ease out the building tension. “Next question…”
Lei let out a loud audible groan. “I’m so full!” She patted her belly with full hands to emphasize her point. I need a walk after that meal. Let’s continue the interview as we take a walk at the beach!
The camera panned its view back at the beach. The scenery was still quite the same save for the fact that it got dark now than it was several minutes ago. The sun was almost gone from the horizon but some of its light still lingered on the clouds at the far end. The salty night breeze caressed the skins of those outside with its cool tender touch. The flames from the rows of torches danced around it too. They looked like tiny fiery women dancing atop a slender stage made of bamboo. It was a hypnotizing sight, no wonder why moths have developed a fascination for their destructive beauty.
As the camera continued to scan the beach, several couples could be seen within the vicinity. Some of them were just taking a casual stroll, while those that kept out of the torches’ light were probably up to something indecent. Those people can’t be blamed of course, the atmosphere that this place created was bound to set the tone for situations like that.
“I think it’s getting late.” Marker said as he read the mood clearly and decided to bail out before things could escalate to the wrong direction. “We should continue the interview tomorrow.”
“Oh, okay.” Lei said, disappointment apparent in her tone.
Marker immediately packed up whatever few things he brought in that picnic table and rushed off, but not without looking back at Lei first.
Today marked the fifth day of the ritual. The locals call this day the Day of Great Feast. There were stalls set up all over the town, selling a wide variety of products ranging from street food to clothing to children’s toys. The streets were filled with a parade of dancers that circled all over town. In the middle of it all was a float with a giant paper mache statue of Heartfire’s deity, Kelayo. His appearance was portrayed more vibrantly than the one in the rock sculptures that were placed around the island. A mane made of flames, and a well built physique adorned with golden accessories, the craftsmanship of this Kelayo statue was impressive as it was detailed. Under normal circumstances, the tribute would be seen in the middle of the parade, riding on the deity’s float in their designated seat for everyone to see. But since the tributes were given free rein on what they wanted to do in their final days, they’d rather spend it on indulging themselves rather than bask in the spotlight and pander to the audience.
The screen cut to a view of the stalls. Each one of them has a unique decor attached to them. They were all exploding with festive colors, truly a treat for the eyes. The camera then turned to center on Lei who was busy chomping on her snack, grilled corn on a stick.
Lei looked at Marker while offering some of her food. “Would you like some? It’s free.”
“I’m good.”
“Don’t be scared. It won’t upset your stomach…” She grinned. “Usually.”
“Well if you insist.” A hand appeared off screen and took one of the grilled meat that Lei was holding.
“Quick!” Lei cried out as she pointed at the other stalls that were serving some of the dishes that she hasn’t tried out yet. “We should all try the food being served before they all run out!” And with that she made a beeline towards the stalls, totally forgetting the interview that they were supposed to conduct at that moment.
“Wait, what about the interview!?” Marker was quick to remind her.
“Eat now, talk later!” Was all the food-enamored girl could say before she disappeared into the crowd in the blink of an eye.
Marker could only sigh at her antics.
The scene then cut to another view, this time it was that of the town’s public park. Lei was sitting at a table and in front of her were all the dishes and drinks she managed to snag with what her hooves could carry at the food run she did at the stalls earlier.
“Look at my haul!” She exclaimed proudly at the camera. She looked at her food with starving eyes while rubbing her forelegs enthusiastically. “If I finish all of these, I surely won’t be eating dinner tonight!”
“Great festival you guys have here.” Marker stated.
“I know.” Lei gave a proud smile. “Today is called the Day of Great Feast. We try to make ourselves as merry as possible before the next day comes.”
“Why? What will happen tomorrow?”
“The Day of Solitude.” Lei answered while still choosing which of the food she’ll pick next. “The day where everyone in Heartfire will grieve in silence for the tribute.”
“I see.”
“You should see the town tomorrow!” Lei said as her head rose from the pile of food in front of her. “Some scary stuff. Since no one will be leaving their houses tomorrow, it looks like the town is totally abandoned!”
“I’d love to get footage of that.”
“We can walk around town tomorrow if you want.”
“Wait, you’re allowed to do that?”
Lei pointed both thumbs at her face proudly. “Tribute.”
“Right.”
“Here, have some of my haul!” She handed Marker a plastic box that has several sugar-coated colored pastry sticks inside. “Have some of this, they’re really good!”
“Thanks.” Marker took one of the sticks and ate it off camera. “Oh, wow.”
“Pretty good, huh?” Lei said, a giant smile carved on her face.
“Yeah, they’re pretty good.”
“Well have more! This food ain’t gonna eat itself you know!”
“You sound just like my grandma.” Marker sheepishly stated.
Lei took a pause from rummaging through her haul. “What?”
“Nothing.”
The screen cut back to the view of the stalls. It was already afternoon and the sun has begun to set, but the place was still bustling with activity.
“I’m so full!” Lei groaned as she sloppily walked through the crowded path. “And I can barely walk. I think I may need a pair of crutches.” She then turned to look at Marker with another one of her signature sly smirks. “Carry me?”
“I-uh…” Were the only words Marker could reply with.
Lei laughed at his reaction. “I’m kidding! You should look at yourself! You’re redder than a tomato!”
“No I’m not.”
“Yes you are!”
“No I’m no-can’t we just continue the interview?”
“Sure.” Lei smiled, but this one was absent of the sly mark that she was known for. “Ask me anything.”
“I had to wonder, why aren’t you spending the festival with your family?”
Lei’s face which was full of mirth and joy earlier suddenly deflated. “About that…” She began. “Family members are forbidden to see the tribute once the seven day ritual begins. They say it was to cut down personal attachments, so that my family won’t be as devastated when the day arrives that I will finally be gone.“ She chuckled grimly. ”If there’s one thing that I cannot have then this has to be it, meeting with my family that is.”
“I’m sorry.” Marker said, his tone somber. “I shouldn’t have asked that question.”
“No, it’s alright.” Lei smiled a little. “I have you with me right now so it’s not all bad. I heard stories that some of the past tributes lock themselves in the temple until the day of their sacrifice arrived. They didn’t get to experience the joy of life in their final moments at all. I thought the same was going to happen to me, but then you arrived and changed everything. And I was grateful for it.”
“I see.” Marker panned the camera to the stalls, they were still busy as usual. He then focused the camera on Lei who was snatching glimpses here and there at the festivities. “You know what, I’m getting hungry again.” He said to her, grabbing her attention. “Wanna go to the stalls for a second round?”
A big smile formed on Lei’s face. She instantly brightened up as soon she heard Marker’s offer, her usual demeanor now completely restored.
Lei was right. The town looked abandoned now that everyone has decided to stay indoors. It felt eerie, seeing a town bustling with activity the day before only to be turned dead silent the next. It’s like I’m in a ghost town. And I would have fully convinced myself that I was actually in one had it not been for Heartfire’s tribute walking next to me.
“The stalls and other festival decorations are gone. It’s like yesterday never happened at all.”
“The people clean up fast here.” Lei replied.
“I wish I can say the same in my city.”
Marker’s line piqued Lei’s interest. “That’s the first time you ever mentioned where you’re from. You said you were Equestrian, yes? Where in Equestria exactly?”
“Manehattan.”
“I know that place! So you live there, huh?”
“Yes.”
“So what’s it like living in a big city?” Lei asked, she was getting excited.
“It’s loud, very crowded, and everything’s expensive. Not like here.”
“You know, I’ve dreamed of leaving the island once. Visit another country, experience city living and all that stuff.” She gave out a small sigh before continuing. “Too bad that’s no longer a possibility, right?” She laughed, but it sounded hollow.
“Can I ask you another question?” Marker said. “It’s a bit more personal compared to the others.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“You seem awfully calm for someone who’s about to die. Why is that?”
Lei grinned at Marker’s question. “Believe it or not, I wasn’t always this positive regarding my fate. I went through a pretty depressive period for a while. I felt hopeless and I don’t want to do anything except cry all day. I don’t want to die yet, but it’s something that I have no control over now. And then I realized something…whether if I laugh or cry my eyes out, I’m still going to die at the end anyway. So I’d rather pick the most sensible thing for my case and chose to be happy instead. I am going to die eventually so why not make the most of it while I’m still here? Being miserable is pointless at this…point.” She scratched her and smiled at her alliteration at the end.
Marker laughed softly at Lei’s answer. “Well that’s one way to look at it.”
“You know since it’s my last day and all. Can I ask you for a favor?”
I just realized that today was Lei’s last day before she was about to fulfill her role as tribute. It hit me like a brick wall. I tried to hide my emotions as best as I could so that I wouldn’t worry her.
“Sure. Anything.”
“Take me to the beach?” Lei’s request was plain and simple, but couldn’t help but wonder about the intentions going on behind that simple phrase.
“The beach?”
“You turned down my invitation last time.” Lei reminded him. “I was hoping you wouldn’t this time around.”
“What offer?” Marker asked, he sounded a bit lost.
“To walk with me the other night. You rejected my offer back then, coldly too if I remembered correctly.”
“Oh yeah. I just thought it was inappropriate at that time.”
Lei tilted her head and smiled. “Oh?”
“Yeah.”
“Is that really the reason behind it?”
“Of course.” John said, doubling down.
“And not anything else?” Lei said as she slightly leaned in towards John.
“Yes.”
Lei giggled at John’s reaction off-screen. “You’re turning red.”
“Look are we going to do this or not?”
“Let’s do this.” As she began to strut away.
“One question,” Marker asked, stopping Lei in her tracks. “How are we going to get to the beach?”
“Oh that’s easy.” Lei said while giving Marker her signature sly smirk.
The screen then cut to a first-person view of a rather wild carriage ride. The carriage’s wheels made rowdy galloping noises from the rough terrain that it was traversing on. Overall it was a terribly bumpy ride. The camera couldn’t even maintain a focused shot for more than one second. The screen then turned to look at the driver of the carriage, who of course was Lei.
“Are you qualified to do this!?” He called to her loudly, despite sitting next to each other. “Do you even have a license!?”
“If I say yes will you feel at ease?” Lei replied. Her voice was surprisingly calm, it was like she’s already done this before.
“No!”
Lei laughed at Marker’s panicked answer. “That’s what I thought.”
A typical carriage ride from town to the beach usually takes at least forty-five minutes. In the hooves of a competent rider, that is. But if you’re riding with Lei, the duration of the trip and the life expectancy of the passengers were greatly reduced to fifty percent.
The scene then cut to a view of the beach. The carriage was resting under the shade of the palm trees nearby, away from the blistering rays of heat that came from the afternoon sun.
“By Celestia!” Marker frantically gestured a hand at the carriage that they just gotten off of. “You almost wrecked that thing!”
“Ah, but there’s that word, ‘almost.’” Lei quipped, much to Marker’s annoyance.
“I’m too agitated to argue with you right now.” Marker said as the camera screen took on a lower view, which indicated that its user was currently sitting down.
“Agitated? Teach me what it means later, but to the beach first!” Lei said as she jogged towards the water.
“Wait up.” Marker groaned as he got back up and followed Lei.
Lei hastily tossed her horseshoes at the side she approached the shallow part of the beach. She stepped into the water with her bare hooves. She then closed her eyes and let out a hum of satisfaction. “It feels nice.” Lei said, clearly savoring the sensation she was currently feeling.
“Sure looks like it.”
Lei turned to look at Marker. “Join me? You promised.”
“Sure, why not?” Marker complied as he also removed his hoofwear, although he did sort out his stuff more neatly compared to Lei. And with that, the two proceeded to take a leisurely stroll on the beach.
“It feels really nice, isn’t it?” Lei looked at Marker with an earnest smile. “The warmth of the sun on your shoulders, the rushing waves underneath your hooves? The salty scent of the breeze that screams home? It does make you feel at peace, doesn’t it?”
“Yes it does.” Marker agreed.
Lei laid her entire body down on the beach. The waves were quick to soak her up, but she didn’t mind. In fact, she appeared to enjoy it. “I wish I can stay like this forever.” She then let out a drawn out sigh as she closed her eyes.
“You’ll get sunburned.” Marker flatly said.
Marker’s line earned a hearty laugh out of Lei. “I think I’m beyond caring about things like that.”
“If you say so.”
Lei opened her eyes and stared at Marker. “Say, can I ask you a question?”
“I should be the one asking that, but sure. Lay one on me.”
“Will you come to the sacrifice tomorrow?”
I’ve seen this question coming from a mile away. And even then, I’m still not prepared to answer it. I know, I know. It’s about her, not about me. Everything should be for her, for her happiness, for her well-being. She must have everything life could offer in this brief period of time that she’s alive. She deserves it, it’s the least she could have. Now, where should I place myself in this situation? I want to put myself in a position where she would be fully satisfied. But that kind of thing is only up for her to say. So I’m just going to do just that.
“Do you want me to?” Marker replied.
Lei looked at the sky for a moment then closed her eyes again.
“No. I cherish the memories we had here on this island, even though it’s only short-lived. I don’t want it to be tarnished by seeing you all worried about my untimely demise tomorrow. My heart just could not take it.”
“I see.”
“Can I ask you another favor?”
“Anything.”
“I’m going to count to ten with my eyes closed. After I finished counting I’m going to open my eyes. And I want you gone by then. Can you do that for me? Can you help me preserve these small but treasured moments down to my last breath?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. Alright, here goes.”
I quickly grabbed my things before Lei could say count her first number. I quickly ran away as fast as I could. I ran as far as my legs could carry me. Probably by the time she finished counting, I was already out of the beach. I did everything that I could do to fulfill my final promise to her. Once I arrived at the dirt road that lead back to town, I put my shoes back on and marched tirelessly back to my quarters.
I woke up from my bed. My body felt heavier than usual. I didn’t feel like getting up today. I just wanted to lie down on my bed and reflect on the events that happened these past couple of days. But that won’t be possible, not with those loud beating drums enticing me to take a peek at the outside world. And took a peek I did. I quickly dressed up, grabbed my camera and headed outside. Crowds of people were already gathered outside as I exited my quarters. Just like me, they were very eager to witness the sacrificial ritual that was going on at the volcano. The heat around me almost felt unbearable. It was already midday when I got up so the temperature was bound to rise. And the fact that the crowd have packed themselves tight like a can of sardines didn’t help either. I can’t blame them though. It’s an event that only occurred once in a decade, I’ll be also damned if I missed such a rare and important moment.
As the spire of the smoke that rose from the volcano became larger, the beating of the drums also became louder. The people have gotten more anxious by the second. Some have doubted the legitimacy of the ritual, but authorities nearby were quick to shut them down so they won’t cause any unnecessary panic. I for one remained silent as I watched how things would unfold. Will the ritual work? Or will the island be plunged into disaster? All that’s left now was to wait and see.
I could only imagine the things that were going on in Lei’s mind right now. Was she having doubts? Does she feel sad? Satisfied? Calm? Was everything I did for her enough? Was she thinking about…no, of course not. She had bigger things to worry about. I wondered what it’s like inside the volcano right now. Will the ‘deity’ of said island actually appear and take Lei back to his throne? No, that would be ridiculous. Even in this context, it would still be highly improbable. Although I can’t help but speculate. My mind tends to run wild when it came to things like these. But what got my attention the most right now was Lei. Even though it’s not my business to interfere, I just can’t resist the fact that I am worried about her. What a character, that girl was. Seven days were not enough. I just wished I could have gotten to know her better. Such an innocent girl, she didn’t deserve this fate that was forcefully laid upon her. If only everything were up to me, things would have been very different. But unfortunately, wishful thinking now was considered a hopeless endeavor. No use in thinking about ‘what ifs’ now. All one could do was just stand there and look upwards helplessly.
Then everything went silent.
The smoke from the volcano suddenly dispersed. The loud beating sounds that came from the drums ceased. The crowd became as quiet as the grave. For once, everything became peaceful. But it’s the uncomfortable kind of peaceful. My heart sank several levels deeper upon hearing the deafening silence. Is it over? Is she dead? What happens now? Those were the questions that echoed inside my head as each minute passed by. It appeared that I was not the only one who looked dumbfounded by what was going on after all. The crowd also shared my sentiment and did nothing but stare quietly at the volcano for an extended moment or two. I could only guess what kind of emotions were stewing inside the people’s minds right now. But I found it safe to assume that it could either be grief or confusion. Only then was there ever a hint of movement going on when one of the authorities came rushing in front of the crowd to announce something.
He was panting, a bright sheet of sweat coated his forehead, but he does look relieved and quite eager to spread his news.
“Congratulations, everyone! The ritual was a success!”
The crowd erupted into cheers after hearing the good news. The sea of doubt and tension that engulfed these people a while ago was no longer there. It was instead replaced with elation and joyous celebration. As if things couldn’t look much better for the island, the plants around town seemed more vibrant in color, flocks of birds flew right up the sky almost to the point of covering it, and the sea sparkled like a field of diamonds under the sun’s rays. Things were looking up for Heartfire Island, and it’s all thanks to the sacrifice of one girl. One girl, a very special one to make life on this little island all the bit sweeter.
As I continued to watch over the celebrating crowd, the more I realized that I was no longer needed here. I went back inside my quarters to pack the rest of my things and headed straight to the docks, where my ride home was waiting for me.
