My heart still seems to thunder in my chest as I stand in the elevator. The ride down from the hub is about as long as the ride up, and, as such, I have a few minutes to myself to think. I try to manage my stress, but the enclosed space of the elevator does not help in that regard. I feel too hot, and my hands shake.
Getting all of those papers signed had been… hard to take in. I feel like I’d signed myself up for something I don’t fully understand. Something with a massive salary, though, which is something I still have trouble processing. When I get home, I’ll get to tell Dad that we won’t need to worry about money anymore. At least being a sentinel has some benefits.
Eventually, after the minutes spent in my own head start to get to me, I decide to strike up a conversation with Celeste. “You were pretty quiet. Did you not like Prof?”
Celeste shuffles her wings. [Prof seems like a good man who genuinely wants to help us. I like him perfectly fine; he just seemed a touch… off to me. Maybe I’m misreading things, though. I have spent very little time interacting with humans, so I dare say you understand him better.]
I bite my lip, thinking back to my time with Prof. “He seemed to be trying to cram as many survival tips as possible into the short time I was with him. I wonder why he would do that instead of waiting until we have a lecture or something.”
[I don’t know,] Celeste responds. For a moment, I expect her to say more, but she stays silent.
We don’t speak more until the elevator finally dings open to the lobby. The lobby of the GDF Headquarters is as busy as ever, and I make my way towards the exit. I wave at Ashlyn, who is still manning the reception desk as I make my way out; she grins and waves back. Just seeing her warms my heart just a little. There are good people at the GDF, and I think that Prof is one of them. I just feel like he had been trying to prepare me for something, and I don’t know what.
I make my way out the front doors and into the afternoon air, filtered as it is into the skybridge. The GDF Headquarters is in the nicer part of the city, and there are some inscriptions around to keep the smog from building up like it does closer to the slums where my home is. As such, the air smells clean and fresh, even right in the middle of the largest city in Japan. I’ve even heard that the eco-domes around here are the best in all of Shinara, better even than the famed Silver Ridge eco-dome, which contains my school.
It’s crazy to think that, if we wanted, Dad and I could afford to move to this part of the city now or even live in the GDF Headquarters itself. It would mean longer commutes to the school for both of us, but it could be nice. The apartment that came with Dad’s job is certainly one of the nicer ones on the edge of the city, but I’m a sentinel now, we can afford better.
The thought of leaving our cozy apartment to live in some crazy penthouse like I’ve seen on TV leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth, however. Even if the apartment isn’t as good as it could be, it’s home. I don’t want to leave it unless I have to.
My thoughts wander as Celeste and I make our way back toward the nearby tram station and hop into a car. It’s still rather early in the day, but I have too much nervous energy to just go back and sit in a classroom. I probably should. I’ve missed a lot of school recently, but my heart just isn’t in it. How can I focus on class when I might be fighting the Volcora soon? No, I know where I want to go. Prof had said to go be with my family, and there’s somewhere I haven’t gone in too long.
[Serena,] Celeste cuts into my thoughts, [I thought that I should note that you have gotten on a tram that will not take you home or to your school. Where are we going?]
I look around at the other people on the tram with me, then pull out my phone and press it to my ear before responding; I really need to figure out the whole telepathy thing. “We are bonded for life,” I say softly. “To me, that means you’re part of my family now. There’s one more person I want you to meet.”
It takes around thirty minutes for the tram to drop us off right at the edge of the city proper. The tram system doesn’t go out further than where the skyway cuts off, and skyscrapers become intermittent rather than the norm. This is closer to the slums than I get on a normal day, and I can immediately tell the difference as I step out of the tram car and out into the skyway.
The air feels heavier and not nearly as clean; trash and other litter line the normally clean bridges. This is the edge of Shinara and the start of the slums that had appeared around the city. To go any further, I’ll have to go down and stand on actual Earth for the first time in months.
With only some trepidation, I walk to the nearby elevator and press the call button, quickly being joined by a group of dirty-looking civilians also looking to head below. People like these are common in this part of the city, people who keep coming up to the skyway to look for proper work before heading back to the ground disappointed, day after day. Only very few, like my father, get lucky enough to land a position and escape the poverty of the ground.
People from all over the world had fled to cities like Shinara to be protected from the Volcora, my family included. However, there are only so many jobs and so many places to live within the city proper. So, the rest of the people had spread out around and below the city in an unplanned, unorganized sprawl. The slums are a mess and are very dangerous if you don’t know where to walk. Normally, I would never come here without Dad to watch out for me, but I’m a sentinel now. I feel as if I can take care of myself. Besides, I’d spent a good number of my younger years living down there in the smog, forgotten by the world. I’ll be fine.
The elevator down to the ground is slow, creaky, and smells like vomit. In short, the exact opposite of the elevator I’d just stood in with Prof. And while I’ve lived above for most of my life, I’m still amazed that a girl who had once lived on the streets of the slum had made it to the highest reaches of power in the city. I'd stood in the GDF Headquarters, in the very hub of the sentinels — the ivory tower looking down imperiously on all that live below. And now, I stand at the back of this slow elevator, hoping that none of the other occupants would make me their next mark due to my clean clothes, hair, and generally small size. A return to how I’d once been years ago.
Luckily, the trip down to the ground passes uneventfully, and the elevator door opens with a loud squeal. Immediately, I start coughing at the heavy, smog-filled air. At least above, there was some filtering, if not much. Down here, though, the air is nearly toxic. Bad enough that lung cancer is still the biggest killer, even with the rampant gangs.
The ground feels strange under my feet — a street not made of glass stretched between buildings but instead made of old, cracked asphalt. Being back here is certainly an adjustment every time. Yet, due to my infrequent trips with my father, I adjust quickly.
The streets around me are dark, lit by old flickering lights and the occasional sunbeam. Even in the day, the shadows cast by the buildings looming far above me cast the world in shadow. Near the elevators, men wearing old breathing masks and holding rifles watch the streets wearily, making sure that no one tries to mug any of the residents coming in from the city.
These guards, however, have no GDF logo emblazoned on their haphazard dark uniforms. No one from the GDF comes down here unless it’s to deal with the incursion. Instead, they work with a group called the Independent Watch to act as their police force. A police force that’s just as corrupt as the gangs that rule the streets. At least they have the pretense of being for the people, though.
I take a moment to observe my surroundings, tears still streaming from my eyes as I’ve yet to readjust to the near-toxic air. I've learned that you can tell a lot about what’s going on down here by looking at the street art on the walls. What gangs are currently in power, and how are people feeling? What I see makes me shiver.
Emblazoned large and proud on the building across from the elevator — clearly meant to be seen — is a striking artwork. A multi-colored star being swallowed by the jaws of a massive black beast that strikes up from below. A symbol resembling those often used by the Apostles of the Maw but not one I recognize. The reason why is clear enough, though, the word “Reavers” is written out in massive letters beneath the artwork, likely the gang responsible.
My eyes flick from the artwork to the members of the Watch near the elevator. What are they doing? Why are they letting a symbol like this remain in broad daylight? Surely, the GDF would go ballistic seeing it here. Once more, I shiver. My blood feels like ice in my veins as I try to consider what this could mean. Eventually, though, I know that I’ve looked for too long, so I lower my gaze and start on my way.
I make my way through dirty, winding streets as I move deeper into the slums, the skyscrapers I’m so used to left behind me. I can’t help but feel nervous as I walk. Sure, I’m a sentinel, but I’m a very inexperienced one, and people are giving me odd looks. I know what I must look like to the people around me. A young, small teenager with clean new clothes. In other words, the perfect target to rob. Probably has money and probably can’t fight back.
As I leave the skyscrapers behind me, the streets get brighter, and the people look much better. Unlike the area directly underneath the city, the slum around the city has a much better community. The smog isn’t as bad, even if the gangs still rule. At least the homeless people here look less likely to try and jump me. Not unlikely, mind you, just less.
Luckily, my destination isn’t too far now, and I know that no one will try to rob me once I’m there. What kind of heartless monster would rob someone in a graveyard?
With just a few minutes of walking, we arrive, having fortunately been left alone. The graveyard is a small, poorly maintained little place sandwiched between two small apartment complexes covered in gang signs. One new gang sign is written prominently across the older ones, a large “Reavers” tag. Another one so far from the first? Not a good sign for certain.
Despite the gang sign, a bit of the tension in my chest lessens as I step into the grassy, fenced-off area. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years. While the graveyard is in a rather unsavory part of the slums, I’ve been here enough times to know that once you are within its walls, the gangs won’t touch you. An unspoken rule, but one fastidiously enforced. It’s only coming in and out that you are fair game.
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Despite the sad state of the weed-infested grass around the graves, most of the gravestones themselves look rather nice. A lot of the graves here are new, as Shinara itself hadn’t stood for that long as far as cities go. Also, the families of the dead come here regularly to clean and place flowers around the stones, mine included.
There are a few other people in the graveyard, but they pay me no mind as they offer respects to their own dead. I give them only a glance as I make my way towards one stone in particular.
Even though I had mentally prepared myself to come here, I still find tears pricking in my eyes as I finally see a familiar little headstone, the best Dad could afford. Gently, I run my hand over the smooth granite, a poor replacement for my mother’s touch.
Asami Solace
Loving Wife of Micheal Solace & Mother of Serena Solace
“Hey, Mom,” I say, my voice raw; the memories of the day I’d lost her are still fresh in my mind all these years later. “Sorry I didn’t bring you any flowers today, but I have someone I wanted you to meet.”
Sitting on the grass before the stone, I reach up and gently lower Celeste to place her before my mother’s grave. “So, uh, I became a sentinel. I know, crazy, right? I never thought it would actually happen either.” I force down a sob to continue, “Anyway… so, uh, this is my familiar, Celeste. Celeste, this is my mom.”
Celeste bows her head slightly to the gravestone. [It is an honor to meet you, Mrs. Solace,] she says, her voice soft in my head. [I hope you can see the beautiful sentinel your daughter has become. She will do a lot of good in this world, and I am honored to stand by her side.]
With that, Celeste and I sit in silence before the stone, our heads bowed. It isn’t long before I begin to cry. I only wish Mom could have lived to meet Celeste in person.
image [https://i.imgur.com/H7S9RSV.png]
Celeste and I don’t spend long at my mother’s grave. When I finally bring myself to turn away from the stone, I feel lighter. Never again will my family have to suffer like we did when Mom died. If Dad ever got cancer as Mom had, I have the money, the magic, and the resources to make the problem go away. Audrey had been right; being a sentinel might involve danger, but having the ability to say with certainty that my dad will be safe is something that is well worth it. He will never catch a disease that can’t be cured, never be crippled in an accident, never die the slow, painful death Mom had. That fact is a weight off of my shoulders.
Exiting the gated-off area of the graveyard, I cross the street and start making my way back toward the nearest tram station. Across the street, by one of the apartment complexes bordering the graveyard, a group of boys that look just a bit older than me watch me pass. Each of them wears an all-black armband with a symbol I recognize, the same one on the wall outside the elevator. I cringe and quicken my step; any group their age around here will have certainly been subjugated by one of the local gangs, and the armbands only confirm that suspicion. These Reavers seem like a powerful group in the slums, and I’d like nothing more than to avoid them.
Maybe once I’m stronger, I can try to help the innocent people of the slums against the gangs or try to push for better policing of these areas. For now, though, I’m about as fresh as a sentinel can be, and I’m not ready for any kind of confrontation. I’m not sure how much my mist will help me in a fight.
I force myself not to look back as I cross a street and make my way quickly towards the city proper. I’m aware of how tempting a target I am, and the last thing I want is to get caught by a gang here alone, sentinel or not. I feel as if I should be fine if I get into trouble, but I don’t want to risk it.
[Serena,] Celeste says, her tone serious, [three of the young men that were watching you detached from their group and are following you. The other two moved in a different direction; I suspect that they are moving to cut you off. There are five in total.]
I swallow nervously; in the slums, no one will help you if you get mugged in broad daylight — everyone will just be happy that it isn’t them. Especially if it was a gang. The Watch would never crack down on gang activity unless the GDF was riding them to do it.
“I know I’m a sentinel, but can I handle five?” I whisper nervously, my heart starting a nervous rhythm in my chest.
[In your combat state? Certainly,] Celeste says, her tone full of confidence. [Your comprehensive barrier will protect you, and you will gain greatly increased strength, even as an E Rank.]
I nod to myself, “Okay, how do I-”
A hand lands on my shoulder and jerks me back with enough force that I nearly lose my balance and fall. I gasp, icy terror stabbing through me as I whirl around to face whoever had grabbed me.
Just as Celeste had predicted, three of the young men who had watched me leave the graveyard stand before me, each of them standing more than half a foot taller than me. All three are the plain-looking, dirty sorts that are common in the slums. From the smell wafting off them, it had been a while since any of them had found a shower.
“Hey babe, calm down,” The guy who’d grabbed me says with a grin. “We just thought you should hang out with us. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
A surge of anger and frustration washes through me as I see them standing over me. All I wanted was to go and see my mother’s grave. Why couldn’t they just leave me alone?
“I’m not doing anything with you. Leave me alone,” I retort, proud of how my voice doesn’t waver even as I start to back away.
The guy laughs, his tone amiable and confidant in a way that sends shivers down my spine. “Nah, I don’t think you understand, babe.” His hand moves to his waistband, and I see the glint of metal as he pats a small revolver tucked into his pants. “It wasn’t a question,” he finishes, grinning wider to show off yellowed teeth.
[Serena!] Celeste exclaims in my mind, [You need to shift states! Your assault state’s barrier will protect you!]
“I don’t know how,” I manage through gritted teeth, my eyes wide and locked on the gun. I can’t seem to stop smelling the stench wafting off the gang members as they invade my personal space. Far too close. Sheer revulsion makes my stomach roil, and my heart thunders in my ears.
“What-” the guy starts to say, but I ignore him. Celeste’s words are far more important.
[Focus on your soul gem and will yourself to shift!] Celeste explains hurriedly. [I’ll do what I can to help.]
The man is scowling now, and I hear movement behind me as two more sets of footsteps approach. “You get moving right fucking now, or I swear I’ll make you regret it,” Gun guy snarls, all traces of humanity leaving his eyes.
With a shaky breath, I turn my focus within myself, my mind locking in on the swirling power I feel inside me. Grasping at that power, I will myself to Shift.
Power surges within me, and — for a moment — my body shines with vibrant sapphire light. Strength rushes into my limbs, and I feel as light as a feather. Blue and white mist flows around my body, and my clothes seem to shift, although I don’t have the time to focus on that.
I glare up at the oversized bully accosting me, mist swirling violently around me as I take a step forward with clenched fists. “I said, leave me alone!” I hiss, doing my absolute best to project confidence.
My body flares with strength, more than I’ve ever felt before. Every muscle is a live wire, and my mind assesses everything all at once. My control over my mists seems natural, the mist easily swirling around with only a flex of my will. I feel as if I could fight off all five of these men without much effort.
Of course, I have no actual intention of hurting these people, but scaring them off seems like a great option. Maybe then they’ll think twice before trying to assault innocent people again. Also, I’m a sentinel now; the Watch would listen if I told them about this problem. They wouldn’t do much other than make some noise until the GDF is satisfied, but they wouldn’t just ignore it like they would for a normal person.
From my shoulder, Celeste leaps to the ground as she grows to her larger size and flairs all four of her wings, obviously trying to be intimidating now that we’re showing off. The reaction of the men before me is exactly what I’d been hoping for. With any luck, they’ll just run away.
“Oh fuck! Sentinel!” the gun guy cries, stumbling away from me. His eyes are alight with fear, even as he draws his gun and fires.
I’d like to say that I reacted with dignity and confidence on my first time getting shot. That I had been a proper sentinel and hadn’t flinched in the face of danger. Instead, I scream and raise my arms to protect myself as I cringe away from the bullet. A bullet that never hits me.
I see a flash of blue light as the barrier Celeste had mentioned briefly flickers into existence before me for just a moment. The bullet slams into the blue light so fast I can barely perceive it. With a crack of impact, the bullet breaks apart into shrapnel and falls to the ground.
I stare at the spot the barrier had been, even as it fades back into invisibility. Gun guy also stares at the spot where the barrier had been. Then he looks around, notices all his buddies have already legged it, and proceeds to run away himself, cursing with every breath.
“The Kimura family will hear about this!” he shouts over his shoulder.
Maybe another sentinel would have chased them, but I have no intention of trying to take on whatever gang hideout they’re running back to, not today, at least. Now, though, it seems as if I have another problem. All of the bystanders on the street around me — who had done nothing to help — are now filming Celeste and me with old smartphones, further proving their unhelpfulness.
Surprisingly, many of the bystanders are glaring at me angrily, as if I’m not the one who’d been accosted. Surely, they saw the beginning of that as neither of us had been particularly quiet. What is going on?!
Mist still swirls around me, although it seems to be dissipating as I begin to calm myself. Although, it does give me an idea. I need to shift out of my combat state without everyone and their grandmother trying to figure out my real identity. Too many sentinels have had their personal lives ruined by a simple video. Hopefully, no one had started filming before I’d shifted states, or I might already be out of luck in that regard.
Magical power still burns within me, brighter than ever, and so I decide to use some of it. Raising my hands into the air, mist pours out of me, quickly enveloping the small street where, luckily, traffic had already stopped. After only a few moments, a large enough area is enveloped by my mist that I can hardly see my hand in front of my face, let alone any of the pedestrians. Once I’m sure no one will see me, I will myself to Shift.
My body once more shines with blue light, and I feel my clothes changing again. I’ll need to ask Celeste about what’s going on with that, but that’s a question for another time. The power within me recedes like a tide flowing back out to sea. I suddenly find it difficult to keep up the amount of mist I’m currently producing, but that’s fine. It had already served its purpose.
Doing my best to act nonchalant, I walk casually out of the new fog bank, heading for the tram station. A lot of people stop to gawk at the sudden wall of mist that had sprung up in the middle of the slums, but none of them focus on me as I make a clean break from the situation.
On my shoulder, Celeste had shrunk back to her smaller size and had clearly made herself invisible to all but me again. [Serena, are you okay?] she asks, voice tinged with concern.
I nod. No one is that close to me at the moment, so I just talk under my breath. “I’m fine; I just hope none of the shrapnel from that bullet hit anyone.”
[It didn’t appear to,] Celeste responds. [You did well in handling that. Next time, however, you should try to shift to your assault state at the first sign of danger. If that man had shot you while in your rest state, you would have died as easily as anyone else. Remember, magic works instinctively; almost everything you can do can be accomplished simply by wishing for it.]
“Sorry,” I say, shoulders drooping. “It’s easy to forget that in the moment. I’m still not used to all of this, you know?”
[It will come with experience,] Celeste says in an unfussed tone.
I sigh; I’m going to need a lot of experience. For now, though, I just want to head home and tell Dad about my day. It’s starting to get into the late afternoon, so he should be getting home from work soon. Tomorrow is orientation, and I’m going to need to be fully rested to truly start my career as a sentinel.