“Slow down, Lani. We can't keep up with you,” I shout.

I stare at a long, rectangular window. I press my fingerprints onto the glass, next to my name.

“Nahlia Calihari.”

Mona Classidine had written my name on the window with a marker. She bought it from the refugees and was writing everywhere she could. The ink was jet black like her hair and eyes. She was deaf and mute and used it to communicate with us. Mona looks at me and Lani with a smile. She nods repeatedly and tries to say something. Nothing comes out, but she was happy to be exploring with us. It was an adventure and Maur had us pick her up, while noble Classidine was busy getting ready to duel for the crown.

I flatten my expression, while smiling back at Mona. She was roughly our age. They start their families young in Capara, like everywhere on this planet. Mona had a sleek dress that shimmered as she moved. An entire artistic scene covered her body. It had black and purple night with canary yellow, phthalo blue, and lime green wisps that changed positions, as she angled her body. The sun could be seen partially setting and rising, depending on how she rotated. Her dress was as intricate as the thing she wore on her back.

On her back was a large, thinly woven metal clasp that formed curving and interwove designs over the laces between her shoulder blades. The curvature of the metal strings formed a crest, that showed her status among the Caparan families. The crest looked light enough to fly away like wings, only to be bent by a passing foot if it fell off.

Mona had her Caparan boots on. Flying killer style. Maur had a pair custom tailored for a woman and gave them to her. She even wrote on them with her marker. I could tell Mona was intelligent like him. She wrote humorous and romantic poems on them up to her thighs, but they didn't show up to well. It was black on black. Lani tugs at me.

“Stop being distracted. Then, you can keep up,” she says. She was dressed like a Lam Lathi messenger girl. It made me comfortable that I wasn't the only one getting passing looks.

I watch Lani dart away from us again. Mona follows her and they race down the hallway. We were sticking to Lani's plan to save Tayt. I take a look around me. I was in a place that was shaped like an airport terminal. On one side was the cliff rock and on the other was a long trail of elongated glass window panes. The windows wrapped around the building and changed colors based on the time of day. Stained into the glass were sparsely placed mythical scenes, as if the entire window was telling a romanticized story about Caparan history.

“Oh, this is neat.”

The walkway extended outward and around. We were turning left around a bend and I could see across a huge portion city. The sunrise was warm and vibrant and the glass windows became blank and clear, as I moved closer to them.

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Across the way were other stepped layers of the cliff rock buildings. They were just like the hallway we were in. Everything was built into the terrain above the valleys, including the many reliefs on the walls next to me.

I notice an intricate relief and press my hands against the chiseled surface. It was bumpy. I take a step back and a picture of flying angels lifting up flying killers, as if to give them strength in battle. Everything was erotic or harsh, hidden under a veil of decency.

A few other Caparans move by us and I look at their shimmering dresses. There were so many moving pictures and people were staring at me. I was carrying around the gun Lani gave me. They were wondering how I got one that looked like theirs. People were wary.

The Caparans were a mix of different people, collected over time from their many raids. They were quiet and observant, and occasionally I would see a few who had eyes like Maur. Most of the men wore their armor around in the wealthy sections of the city. They were the only ones who could afford the jet-packs. The air moves by me, as refugees pass. They were out exploring like we were. I didn't feel like such a sore thumb. I smile and begin to walk faster to catch up to Lani. I knew she was mad at me or whatever. I'm completely caught off guard.

“Hey Nahlia. Where's your loser friend?”

I turn suddenly to a familiar voice. I couldn't believe I was hearing him. It was Ned Fexan. He was by himself. I try to ignore Ned and walk faster, but he catches up quickly and spins me around. Ned eyes my body and nods approvingly. He gives me a shove back. Other Caparans notice and become concerned.

“Don't worry, Nahlia. I already had you, bent over,” smiles Ned. “I've been trying to find Tayt, instead. I saw the Lam-Loser the other day near the temple complex. Heh.”

Ned waves at those watching us and they begin to pass by. He looks back at me and walks close enough to feel his breath. My back presses against the window.

“So where is he....whore?”

I stutter on my words. I try not to make eye contact. I push my hair off my ears and nod to try and gain a sense of control. I didn't want to make a scene. My gun presses against my leg and I think about shooting Ned. My heartbeat suddenly becomes noticeable to me. I felt like a hypocrite for pulling Tayt's hand down. Before I can lift my weapon, Ned is grabbed from behind.

A knife is pulled and people gasp. I watch as Ned tilts backward, while Lani holds her knife in front of his eyes. She lets him observe his reflection on the metal. Ned's eyes widen. He listens to her speak his native tongue.

“If you wish to see these eyes again, then leave my slave friend alone.”

Lani narrows her eyes and gently swipes her blade across his brow. Lani has him look at his reflection again. She was skilled enough to not draw blood. The knife glistens with colors from the windows. Lani waits for Ned's reply. He doesn't respond and she gradually releases her threatening hold. She had him beat. Ned stumbles back afraid and takes a look at us. Mona was watching and pointing her marker at him angrily.

“Just wait until the arena fight. I'll find you, slut. I still have friends!”

Ned runs away, tripping as he runs off. He leaves my view and I stand with relief.

Lani grabs my hand and we continue on our way. We were heading to a Caparan home. She had to meet her tempest there. He had a surprise waiting for us. Lani lets go of me and darts ahead with Mona again. I stay close behind and to my best to keep up.

“Thanks Lani,” I say quietly, as we run down the hallway.

Lani doesn't answer me. She looks over at me, curiously, and tucks her knife away.