Chapter 2
The Free State of Constantinople, also more commonly known by the Arab and Kurdish people as Istanbul, is a city even grander than Ylisse before its destruction in her timeline. Constantinople easily dwarfs any city in her world. It had a blend of old and new architecture with its tall glass skyscrapers touching the sky, and the stone buildings like what looked to be an ancient palace in the distance. And the place arguably has the most diverse population than any city she had ever been in, which isn't a lot given her upbringing and the subsequent destruction in her timeline. There were people of different skin color, different ethnicity, and different language.
And then, there were the stray cats and dogs. Apparently, the people here respect them greatly. They are not seen as pests and more as a cultural icon.
As for Severa, the pain had finally disappeared and she can stand on her own two feat.
"Very good!" came the accented voice of a Kurdish elderly woman. She was the one to help her out during these past few days of recovery. "Praise be! You are at full strength or at least close to it. Still… take it easy. Do not rush."
She nodded and bowed to the woman. "Thank you for helping me, Miss Naza. And… thanks for the clothes."
The woman beamed. "Think nothing of it, my dear. I am just happy to be of help. When Dima called me, I was quite surprised. But when I saw you, I had to… you look like my late daughter. May she be resting well in heaven. And she would be glad knowing that her unused clothes were able to help you."
The redhead's eyes softened at the woman's words. The people here are still people. They too have their own sufferings to endure.
"I have a feeling that you two were destined to meet."
Severa frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
The older woman just smiled at her one more time and bid her farewell before taking her leave, leaving Severa to think about what the woman was talking about. Realizing that thinking about it more was pointless, she shrugged and went to the balcony, where the mother cat and her kittens are. She smiled and knelt down, letting the curious little balls of fur nuzzle up to her hand while the mother cat ate her meal. It had been only two to three days since she came here…
"Hey."
She turned to see Dima at the door. "Hey."
"Just saw Naza heading out. How you feeling?"
She moved her ligaments around and nodded. "All good. Pain's all gone. So what's the plan?"
"Well, we can go out for lunch." he offered. "Then we go see the local fixer to get you geared up. None of the body armor and plate carriers I have will fit you."
The moment they went out and sat on the passenger's seat of Dima's truck, her eyes were wide with wonder. The moment she feasted her eyes on the many different stores, her eyes went even wider. She wanted to go and see every single one.
"How big is the city?"
"Roughly over 5,300 kilometers squared." he answered. "Or 534,000 hectares. Pretty sure it's more than that."
Her jaw dropped at the number. That was a lot bigger than she expected. Compared to this city, Ylisse would be nothing more than a town.
"It's not perfect." Dima said as he turned the vehicle to another street. "Nothing ever is. But it's home. Been that way for a few years now. I love it here."
"Where were you originally from?" she asked. "If you don't mind me asking."
"I was originally from Europe, then moved to Cascadia when I was around 9." he said. "Halfway around the world."
She nodded and looked straight, resuming her marveling at the streets and the occasional stray cats and dogs they would pass by. Minutes passed, and they reached a quaint little restaurant. It was located close to the sea that had a beautiful view of the bay with the ships passing by. Apparently, Dima already had a reservation and the waiter guided them to what looked like the best seating in the place.
"You're a regular here, aren't ya?"
He smirked at her highly accurate assumption, eating his beef shawarma. "What gave it away?"
"The staff here look at you with respect, for one." Severa pointed out. "And I was the only one who ordered food. They just brought you a dish and you happily ate it."
He let out a chuckle. "Yeah, that's right. I always come here for the beef shawarma."
"That's kind of ironic." she drawled. "I mean… the place is sitting right next to the sea. I would have thought you would have gotten seafood like I did."
He shrugged. "Well I can't deny that the seafood here is good. But beef shawarma is my favorite."
Their lunch went by rather splendidly and Severa enjoyed it. She hadn't had a good meal like that in quite a while. She also enjoyed conversing with Dima, realizing that she can relate to him in some ways. It was subtle but she could see it… Dima also had a bit of an inferiority complex, and it was no doubt related to the family he refuses to talk about. She can also tell that Dima's wounds run deep.
Getting in the truck once more, they went into the docks where large ships were anchored. In particular, they came upon a ship called the Crimson Whale. But it also held a sign that say's Red's Weapons, Gear, and Stuff, as well as a slogan beneath the name.
"We beat the competition, not you. Say what?"
Upon reading that, Severa turned to her friend with a questioning look, only getting a stifled laugh in response. Whoever owned this store had a very dark sense of humor.
"Chief!" Dima called out as they entered the establishment. "You in?"
"Coming!"
Severa stiffened at the sound of the voice. It was a woman's voice, that much is clear. But it was the voice itself that got to her. Out from the back came a shorter woman with red eyes, and long red hair tied up in a ponytail.
"Anna?" Severa blurted out, earning a surprised look from both Dima and the store owner.
"Oh?" Anna tilted her head, but then widened her eyes. "Ah… you must know one of my sisters. Dima, where'd you pick this one up?"
"Some kind of portal spat her out in the Red Zone."
The red-haired merchant nodded. "Ah… that's why. Yeah, my name's Anna, but so are my sisters. Don't ask why, it's just like that."
Severa could only nod at the woman's words.
"So…" Anna turned to Dima. "She's the one you're sponsoring?"
Dima nodded. "This is Severa. Says she's from Ylisse."
Anna gave them a look of understanding. "I know about the place. I get letters from my sister there from time to time. Like I said, don't ask how that's possible. Anyways, let's get you fitted out."
"I'll be right here, Severa." notified Dima.
"Alright!" Anna chirped as she took Severa to a back room filled with all kinds of wearable wares. "First things first. Plate carriers and body armour in this world are not like what you're used to. Mobility is what it's all about nowadays. So wearing chainmail and old fashion plate is useless."
Severa nodded. "Dima told me much. Weapons here fire projectiles at such high velocity they're tear right through plate and chainmail."
The merchant beamed. "Right on. That's why we got a different kind of plate."
Severa observed as the merchant brought out two black rectangular objects object from one of the boxes. They were rectangular and curved but with the corners on the top part cut out. They had the words 'Strike Face' at the front as well as 'Size Small'.
"This is your size." Anna informed her. "So you'll be getting these for free. Comes standard with all new contractors standing out. I get loyal customers that way. These are standard Level 4 SAPI plates."
Severa furrowed her brows. "SAPI?"
"Small-Arms Protective Insert." Anna explained. "They're the modern-day armor plating. Designed ONLY to protect your vital parts like your lungs and heart. There's also special armor you can buy to cover your shoulders and legs but it will weigh you down."
"So what's so special about these plates?" Sever asked.
"Easily replaceable." Anna pointed out. "And Level 4 plates are designed to stop high caliber rounds up to certain points. Anything larger, and you might as well run and find cover. Remember, there are guns out there that can tear people to pieces. So try not to push your luck please, you dying means another customer that will not be coming back."
Yep, she's definitely like the back in Ylisse.
"Here." Anna produced a vest of some kind that had the shape similar to the plates. "Crye Precision JPC, size small. Popular around the world and designed to be lightweight. One plate on the front, one plate on the back. Insert the plates from the bottom. And don't worry, the velcro is designed to sound like cloth tearing. These ones are modified by yours truly. Inside the plate slots are silicon carbide weaving, giving you just a little bit more added protection from small-arms. Here, I'll show you how to put 'em on."
Anna showed her the ropes. It wasn't that hard. In fact, it was surprisingly simple. When she put it on, she understood why two plates was what was given.
"I can feel the weight of the plates." Severa muttered. "What are these plates made of?"
"Level 4 plates are made from a combination of ceramic and composite materials." Anna said, looking over and giving a nod of approval. "And Level 4 is the highest protection rating possible for the average person to carry at the moment. Had you been using plates meant for the sizes of men, it would feel a lot heavier. See those little linings where you can fit a finger through?"
She looked down at her carrier and did so, sticking a finger through. "Yeah, what's up with that?"
"They're called MOLLE, or MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. Designed to be versatile so you can fit any type of MOLLE-type accessory on them."
Anna grinned.
"The beauty with MOLLE is that is that you can fit it to however you want. Head on back to the front of my shop, Dima can show you the rest. Oh right, before I forget. A battle belt."
The belt was also MOLLE.
"Thank you."
Anna waved the thanks off. "Don't worry. It's all part of the starter package for new contractors. What you'll have to pay for are the accessories. As for weapons, I think Dima's got that covered. I'm sure you've already seen his armory."
Oh Severa certainly did. It was an impressive sight, to say the least.
"Dima gets ALL of his stuff from me." Anna concluded. "I can be the same for you. Now run along, I got more clients arriving soon."
"Thanks again."
"One more thing, Severa."
She turned around to meet the merchant's eyes.
"A piece of advice. Stop looking at the world through black and white. It'll only leave you disillusioned. You WILL burn yourself out."
Severa hesitantly acknowledged the woman's words and left. She met up with Dima who had purchased a few things apparently and left with him. The next place they went was the gun range to try out all the weapons he loaded on the back of his truck. First up was the smallest type of firearm.
Severa flinched the first time she pulled the trigger. But she quickly acclimated to the feeling and adjusted according to Dima's instruction. In her hand was what is called a pistol, or handgun because it can usually be fired with just one hand.
"Glock 19X." he told her. "Cheap, reliable, and easy to maintain. How is it?"
"Feels good." she exhaled as removed her ear protectors. "With how loud the weapon can be inside an enclosed area, I expected a lot more kick."
"All comes with the stance and how you hold it." he sagely added. "Not bad for a first day. All I had to do was show you the stance and your body just adjusted on its own. I think you're a natural."
She smiled as she looked at the weapon in her hand. "Alright. What next?"
"Now for the bigger ones. Look behind you and you'll see the table with two rifles. An AK-103 from the Kalashnikov rifle series, which is exactly like the one I use. And then there's the AR-10 chambered in the more powerful .308."
"What's special about them?" she inquired.
"First one is easy to maintain." Dima listed. "It's practically idiot proof. And given the region we're in, ammo won't really be an issue. The other is meant for more longer distances and has a bigger punch. The second will require much more careful maintenance compared to the AK. All in all, both do the job, and they do it well.
Severa's eyes lit up at the sight of the weapons. Both were beautifully crafted in their own right. One is robust, and the other is elegant. Two weapons for two different uses.
"These two rifles and the Glock are yours." he declared. "And mag pouches are free for you to use."
She looked up at him with surprise. "What?"
He smirked. "I got plenty, remember?"
She looked at him for a moment more, then smiled as she ran her fingers over her gear. "Thanks."
"Right then." Dima said, breaking the silence. "Go and try them out. After that, we're going to the Grand Bazaar. You did want to go to the Grand Bazaar, right?"
That was the first time she had shown a truly happy face to him. After trying out the rifles, they went straight for the Grand Bazaar, which easily became Severa's favorite place to go. The moment she saw all the things for sale, she wanted to buy them all. All those exotic clothing she saw made her want to buy them all up. But she had no money and Dima made it clear that only essentials were to be bought. All she could do was glare at him, specifically his smirk.
"We're gonna work with that little problem of yours." he teased. "Little miss shopaholic."
Her glare became fiercer. "I don't have a problem!"
"Of course… of course…"
Her face had become as red as her hair, earning a few amused chuckles from the onlookers. But her embarrassment and ire soon faded as she got to see some of the other shops. She was able to get something, a bracelet that she plans to give to her younger sister once she sees her again.
"I really hope they're alright."
"I'm sure they are." Dima said reassuringly. "You said it yourself, you've all been through tough situations. What's another?"
"Yeah…" she mumbled. "I think I'm beginning to like this place even more."
Dima let out a grin. "Places grows on you, eh? Come on, I need to buy a few groceries for dinner."
She tilted her head in confusion. "We're not eating out?"
He shook his head. "We're having dinner back home."
"What's on the menu?"
"Barbecue and kebabs."
/-\
So here he was, on the rooftop balcony of his home, firing up the barbecue and making sure the cats were fed. They all mewled happily at him when he set the bowls full of cat food down. They may not officially be his cats, but they're family to Dima.
"There you go, little ones." he said as he stroked one of the kittens. "Man, you guys are growing fast. How about you, mama, doing good?"
The mother cat responded with a meow and nuzzled his leg.
"I still can't believe those cats aren't yours."
He chuckled at Severa's words whom came out of the door with a tray of plates. "Kedi? She's been here ever since I moved here three years ago. I used to live in a smaller apartment. Kedi only gave birth a month ago."
"So what happens when you're gone a while?"
"Oh she knows." he said. "She'll just go hunting for food elsewhere till I get back. Besides, the other people here know her well and love her just as much as I do. This neighborhood is her kingdom, and no other cat living in the kingdom dare go against their benevolent queen."
As if the cat understood his words, meowed with pride as she sat atop the roof of her little house. Down below, her kittens played without a care in the world.
"Kedi can take care of herself and her littler."
He then clapped his hands.
"Alright! Time to get cooking!"
By the time they were having dinner, both were laughing jovially as they shared stories of their own adventures. Severa told him about her friends.
"I can't wait to show them what I can do. Your world's weapons will be a hell of a game changer."
"But technology like that will draw attention." he pointed out.
Severa nodded. "I know. I'll be seen as a threat. That's if I do actually get back."
"You will." he reassured her.
She smiled at him as she sank her teeth into the sweet and juicy chicken kebab. "Don't make a promise to a girl you can't keep, Dima."
"I'm not one to break my word, Sev." he said as he drank his beer. "And I have no intention of breaking that streak. I don't know how long it'll take, but I'll help you get home. I'm kinda curious myself what your world is like."
Severa looked up into the night sky, gazing at the shattered moon where its fragments now created a ring around the planet. The cause of such a thing was of course, the Impact that brought much devastation and changed the world.
"I don't think I know how to describe Ylisse. It's hard to describe it with words."
/-\
1 Week Later
Damascus, Syria
If there was one thing that doesn't seem to end, it is that extremists keep popping up in these kind of regions. Since the destruction of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the subsequent restoration of the Pahlavi Dynasty, remnants either turned to factional warfare and terrorism. The latter part call them themselves Al-Tariq Alsahih, The True Way. Their objective is the restoration of Iran as well as waging war against those who do not believe in their faith.
Military delegates from Israel, as well as those within their intelligence division, had come to Damascus to meet with their Syrian and Kurdish counterparts. Dima and Severa, as well as other contractors, many of them from Constaninople, were there to provide security as well as 'consulting'. The True Way had been smuggling several cells into the region.
This was also a good time to learn the language, something that interested Severa deeply. If there is one thing that she inherited from her father, it is learning knew things, and learning them quickly.
"Did you hear?" she heard some of the people in the lobby talk. "A school got hit this week. They say it's The True Way. They were all gunned down."
"Fuckin' lowlives… the hell did those kids do to deserve that?"
That made Severa's blood boil. Children…
"Don't let it get to you." she heard Dima whisper as he nudged her. "They want a reaction."
"I just can't believe people would do something so barbaric." she silently growled.
"That's the reality of the world we live in." he muttered. "The only way to stop it is to meet it with violence. People like The True Way can't be reasoned with."
"This is command to all security personnel." the radio buzzed. "We got an unmarked truck approaching the- Shit! They've broken through the first checkpoint! All security personnel, weapons free, I repeat, weapons free! Do not let them get inside the building!"
Dima brandished his rifle and switched off the safety. "Here we go."
Severa took out her weapon and did the same.
It had only been a week since she became a mercenary in this world, a private military contractor in their term. This will be her first real engagement with this world's weapons.
"You're scared, aren't you?"
She wanted to refute Dima's statement, but just resorted to grumbling.
"Good." Dima added, earning a confused look from her. "It means you're not stupid."
Author's Note: We have a discord server if anyone is interested in joining! Code is: 9X3G3U7a
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