[00] The Teleporter

[DA 2009]

Xenia’s eyes slowly opened to a world of white. No, not a world: a ceiling. Forests didn’t have ceilings, last time she checked. She groggily sat up, having only remembered the intensity of realizing that she had failed to secure a bunker visit within the designated deadline. She looked around. Whilst others before her had seen a hospital, this room was worthy of a princess: marble, gold, silver, and the finest decorations comprised the space in which she found herself. Bits of jade were visible here and there, almost reminiscent of that found in Lord Vine’s palace. The décor rang clear of Vegeta-sei craftsmanship.

The hybrid girl could only let out a small, hollow laugh, knowing that Orion had slipped through her grasp once again. But, no matter—she would exact her vengeance on him soon enough. There was no escaping a saiyan’s wrath. She coolly shrugged off the elimination. As she attempted to rise, she found an oak-carved table to the side of the extravagant bed. Sitting plainly upon the polished surface was a letter, addressed to her. The heiress already surmised the sender, but she picked it up anyway and perused its contents. It read:

“To Her Royal Highness, Princess Xenia,

Alas, I am unable to grant you your innermost desire that motivated you to join this competition. It may please you to know that the one you seek has suffered the same fate. He is gone now, gone to the afterlife, where he will continue to get stronger and faster. I implore you: if retribution for past transgressions is what you seek, that you train on an equal level of intensity. Do not underestimate the power of the pureblooded. Pride is a dangerous thing, Highness; be careful, lest it consume you as it has consumed your ancestors. For your exit, simply enter the location of your choice into the keypad of the teleporter, and it will take you anywhere you desire. For the Heiress who has everything, there is nothing within my power to provide that you could not procure for yourself. Thus, I bequeath to you the rifle with which you fought your first and final opponent in the Abyss. May your aim one day be true, and your memory washed of the blood of yesterday. Your sister, unfortunately, will not be so lucky. My deepest respects, Highness.

Regards, Your Humble Host,
Damon Dukes”

She looked towards the teleporter, and indeed found a completely identical AK-47 resting next to the entrance. Setting the letter aside, she picked it up. Surprisingly, it fit within her grip perfectly, and the weight was completely balanced, as if it had been custom made just for her. Near the handle, the crest of the Vegeta-sei royal family was engraved. Xenia pulled out the clip, inspecting the rounds, and each one was silver plated, stamped in the same engraving of the crest.

She tested the aim on it, wondering what kind of damage it could do.