clashing spirits // arx
May 4, 2016 2:39:06 GMT -5
Post by Python on May 4, 2016 2:39:06 GMT -5
NIMIAN LOGAN.
It was an ordinary day when it happened. Nimian was chewing away at a vegetarian burger in her favorite café, relaxed as the clear skies and light traffic. The only subject on her mind was the tanginess of her orange juice and the list of chores she had for the day. Most of them she could prolong until Soren or Saraiya picked up the slack (and she would pretend as if she ‘forgot’ so she wouldn’t get painted as the lazy bum she truly was). It was the perfect plan – but of course, something was there to ruin it. Her back pocket vibrated.
”Sup?” Her voice had a higher pitch to it, as if she were always excited to have a conversation, even with her boss.
”You’re needed at headquarters,”
She took another bite of her sandwich. It was such a vague description that she wasn’t sure how to respond. Why was she needed at headquarters, and when? Was it serious, dangerous, not important? Information was key! However, she settled with ”Be there soon,” and hung up before he could say anything else. He would certainly ask her to rush when she was in no mood to do so. This was her brunch, she wanted to enjoy it. Usually the rest of her teammates would join her for a cheap meal, but some were catching up on paperwork and the others were too picky about the vegetarian selection to attend. Not cool.
Headquarters was expansive. It encompassed five bedrooms for each team member and additional rooms for each of their superiors, complete with a kitchen and gym – and that was only half of it. They were fresh out of the training academy, so they were stranded in this awkward phase between graduated and not yet experienced enough to be stationed on their own. Despite being top of their class, they were forced into a team. Nimian thought of herself as a temporary intern. She didn’t mind it as much as she thought she would. All of her teammates were her best friends, and they meshed well together.
After a leisurely stroll back to headquarters, Nimian sauntered into her boss’ office with chewing gum in her cheek. Ravenna was there too, and that made it evident the matter was serious. Apparently it was about the tsunami that struck District Four only a day ago. It was all over the news. She hadn’t paid much attention to it. She didn’t even know what a tsunami was until yesterday, although the scientist in her genes screamed ”You should’ve known, idiot.” Oddly enough, that inner scientist’s voice sounded exactly like Ravenna. When did that happen?
A request had been broadcast for more Peacekeepers to be stationed in Four. Controlling chaos was of the utmost importance to them; arresting thieves, searching for survivors, and keeping the peace. Their boss wasn’t sure whether to offer all of their resources, so a duo was being sent first. Nimian and Ravenna. A field trip to Four! Her heart pounded wildly with excitement because she had never been to District Four. Apparently the ocean was gorgeous, the wildlife was abundant, and the beaches were paradise. It would be a completely different world.
Then, of course, Ravenna had to remind her that this was not a vacation. They packed their bags and shuffled into a train that afternoon, Nimian still in high spirits because she couldn’t suppress her inner child whenever she was experiencing something new and interesting. She stared out of the window, allowing only an occasional glance toward Ravenna’s brooding form. It was probably more appropriate to adopt her attitude about the severity of the matter. These were lost lives and damaged houses, after all. But there was that optimistic side of Nimian that had to say, how bad could it be?
The train slowed to a smooth halt. Nimian couldn’t see anything beyond the tunnel curving around the vehicle, so for once she could focus on organizing her belongings. They had been told to pack light, but Nimian was not about to take chances. This was a unique type of mission, one she intended not to fail or take lightly. With Ravenna as her partner, this was especially important. She was never impressed with Nimian’s accomplishments. Hell, she didn’t even crack a smile at her jokes, but she intended to change this. Sooner or later, she was going to get a reaction out of this woman. She wouldn’t be surprised if she injured herself in the process.
The doors of the justice building opened and they were greeted with an eager afternoon sun. She squinted because it was somehow brighter here, and raised a hand to shield her eyes. Several more steps earned her a view of the District’s devastation. She had to pause.
Ruin. That was the one word she could think of. Houses reduced to jagged piles of wood that resembled booby traps. People huddled around the square, blankets covering bleeding shoulders. There was not a single smile in sight. When she turned, she could see the blue glimmer of a beautiful ocean in the distance, but chaos surrounded it. Almost half of the District looked as if it had been flattened by the enormous wave. Finally, Nimian understood.
”Not good,” she muttered.
