The bright lights of the adult film industry's casting room blinded a young man of twenty-five with short dark hair and a lean, athletic build honed from years of manual labor. His deep green eyes were downcast, a harsh reminder of his failures. For what felt like the hundredth time, Kael Darkhaven, known as "Kae," sat before a panel of judges, his heart heavy with the weight of rejection.
"Sorry, but you just don't have the look we're going for," the lead director said, dismissing him with a wave of his hand.
"Your body physique is fine, but we can't accept you into the industry."
He knew the real reason. The burn scar on the left side of his face, stretching from forehead to chin, a constant reminder of the fire that took everything from him, made him "unmarketable." His parents, his younger sister, all gone. He was the only survivor, left with the physical and emotional scars.
"Thank you for the feedback," Kae managed to say, his voice barely audible before standing up from the sofa and making his way out of the office.
As Kae stepped out of the casting room, the bright lights of the adult film industry's office building faded behind him. He walked down the street, his eyes fixed on the pavement, feeling the weight of rejection settling heavily on his shoulders. The billboards towering above him seemed to mock his imperfections, flaunting perfect bodies and flawless skin.
With a surge of anger, Kae raised his middle finger at a particularly offending advertisement. "Screw you!" he growled, his voice barely audible over the city's noise.
Shaking off his frustration, Kae continued walking, his long strides devouring the distance. He boarded a bus, lost in thought as the cityscape blurred by outside the window.
Finally, the bus stopped in a bustling street filled with people from all walks of life. Kae disembarked, his eyes scanning the crowded sidewalk until he spotted a familiar sign - "Tattoo Heaven" - above a small shop.
With a sense of purpose, Kae pushed open the door and stepped inside. The bell above the entrance rang out, announcing his arrival.
The shop was a cozy, welcoming space, filled with the hum of tattoo machines and the sweet scent of ink. Walls lined with flash art and tattoo designs seemed to stretch up to the ceiling, a riot of color and creativity.
In the center of the room, a sleek, black tattoo chair was positioned on a worn, wooden floor, surrounded by neatly arranged workstations and shelves filled with ink bottles, needles, and tattoo equipment.
On the left, a cozy couch beckoned clients to relax while they waited, adorned with colorful throw pillows and a selection of well-read tattoo magazines. The overall ambiance was welcoming and comforting, reflecting the shop's reputation as a sanctuary for those interested in expressing themselves through body art.
Kae's friend, the tattoo artist, greeted him with a smile as he approached, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Hey there! What brings you in today?" he inquired, his deep voice exuding warmth and familiarity. "Another rejection, huh?"
With a sigh, Kae took a seat on the couch as his friend settled in front of him. "Yes, Ryder. How many times has it been now? I've lost track."
Ryder chuckled heartily. "I knew you'd get turned down again. You're quite persistent, but you know why they keep saying no, don't you? Yet you keep going back."
"Yeah, I know it's because of the scar. I would have asked you to tattoo over it, but I can't. It's a part of me now, and until I find those people who made me an orphan, the scar will always be here," Kae declared with a serious tone.
"I think you should stop now. You only wanted to enter the adult film industry because of your girlfriend, but she had already decided to join the industry when we left the orphanage. You've never even met her in all the time you've been going there," Ryder said. "Just give up now, buddy. She's enjoying herself there and won't come back to you."
Kae let out a heavy sigh and reached into his pocket. "Damn it! I forgot my phone at the industry."
"You better go back and get it. You can't afford to lose your phone now," Ryder said with a smirk.
"Yeah, I'll be right back," Kae replied as he left the shop.
As Kae walked back to the adult film industry's office building, he couldn't shake off the feelings of frustration and defeat. He had been trying to break into the industry for months, and each rejection felt like a blow to his stomach. He knew that his scar played a part in the rejections, but he couldn't help but feel like he was being unfairly judged.
He soon arrived at the building and entered. The receptionist he had encountered earlier greeted him, and after a brief exchange, he was summoned by the directors. "You're back," she remarked with a hint of indifference, handing him his forgotten phone.
Kae acknowledged his forgetfulness with a tinge of embarrassment. "Thank you for keeping it safe," he replied before leaving the premises.
As Kae headed back to Tattoo Heaven, he held his phone, oblivious to the eerie glow emanating from the nearby alley. Suddenly, a massive, ape-like figure emerged from the darkness, fixating its gaze on Kae.
Kae's eyes widened in astonishment at the monstrous creature before him. Though its features were obscured, its eyes glowed like fiery embers from the depths of hell, exuding a menacing and intense aura that seemed to penetrate his very soul. Amidst the frozen surroundings, he felt a surreal sense of isolation, as if he alone could perceive the looming threat.
"Oh no! Is this a dream?" Kae wondered silently, but without warning, the monster attacked, its huge fists flailing. Kae attempted to evade the blows, but one strike from the creature sent him hurtling through the alley. As he fought to stand, the monster landed a powerful kick, propelling Kae into a nearby dumpster.
Suddenly, all was black.
~~~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~
Kae's eyes slowly opened, revealing a scene of many people in colorful flowing gowns. The sound of tears pierced his ears, causing him discomfort. Confused, he closed and reopened his eyes, but the situation remained unchanged.
Muttering to himself, Kae sat up and realized he was naked in a carriage surrounded by other men in the same state. A woman with pointed ears and a revealing silver armor was driving the carriage, her face hidden from view.
Panic set in as Kae questioned his surroundings. Where was he? And where were they taking him?
His short black hair has been replaced by long white hair that swept his face in the wind.
"What the heck is happening to me now?" Kae wondered to himself as he touched his hair but that was the least of his worry. "Where are they taking me to? Why am I naked? He roared, his voice etched with anger.
A man with long black hair, covering himself with his hand to maintain his modesty, turned his attention to Kae. "Did you lose your memory because you couldn't bear being taken as a sex slave?"
"Huh?" Kae raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification. "Sex slaves?"
The man then gave him a knock on the head.
Ouch**
Kae growled in anger, his fist clenched tightly. "Where am I? All I remember is being attacked by a monster and waking up here, naked!"
The man sighed heavily and shook his head. "Pathetic! Accept reality. Pretending to have lost your memory won't help you."
Frustrated by the man and the onlookers who were now paying attention but not intervening, Kae shouted, demanding answers. "Where are you taking me? Why am I locked in this carriage? Can someone explain what's going on? Don't treat me like a madman!"
The lady driving the carriage stopped abruptly and turned her fiery red eyes on Kae.
Her ample backside and well-endowed breasts were prominently displayed, outlined like mountains beneath her clothing, with only her nipples concealed.
"If you speak another word, I will not hesitate to end you before we reach the palace!" the woman snarled, aiming her bow and arrow at Kae, ready to shoot if he dared to speak again.