On this morning, the Nomadic News were on the scene at the Hermit Housing Projects. They, along with various other news outlets in the city, were clamoring to get sound bites from the mayor of the city. What she was here to say was not the main focus of the reporters today. They had more interesting scoops.
On the outskirts of the City of Nomad, there was the Hermit Housing Projects. It was a filthy, run down projects where the fallen went. The mortals that do accidently stumble upon the city, tended to end up here. Most fell into madness. Many others fell into a depression. Not knowing how to return home, learning their sins had actual impact, and living in such cramped, dark quarters was not kind to their mental state. But there was a very small majority that was able to accept their fate and make livable lives out of this. After all, it was the same as life back amongst other mortals; struggling to make ends meet and no real power to change that.
The mayor finally came out of one of the apartment complexes. Titan Towers was the name on the sign outside. The wood it was on was splintered and faded, as was the dull crimson that was used to write 'Titan Towers'. He was surrounded by a few guards, black suits and shades. All looking like the Smiths out of the Matrix. The mayor herself wore a long silk dress that was a stunning emerald with white trim. One of her guards held an umbrella over her at all times. Her face was super pale, large in part due to the powder she covered her face in. Her lips coated in a blood red, her eyes shadowed to perfection. A jade necklace hung around her neck, a jade sun sitting on her chest. The white sleeved gloves matched her white heels. She looked more the part of royalty rather than looking like a political figure in Nomad. With an absolute regal aura, she looks down at all the reporters in front of her. She motions for them to ask their questions.
Chaos ensues. All the media members of Nomad erupted into a chorus of thoughts and concerns. Slow and elegant, she rose her hand to silence them. The crowd listened without missing a beat. The mayor pointed to a reporter in the second row of the mob.
"You", she said. Her words were as silky as the dress she wore, captivating anyone who was lucky enough to listen. "State your piece." The reporter, a mild mannered tan woman, blushed. The mayor's tight eyes pierced her, making her nervous, but also somehow putting her at ease.
"Um uh yes, Mayor Amaterasu, some people would say that you're only taking notice of the problems in the Hermit Housing Projects because you have a re-election campaign coming up. What do you have to say to that?" The mayor paused as the silence confirmed the reporter was through with her question.
"I've run Nomad for centuries now. I've always had the people's heart as well as their best interest. With the arrival of more and more mortals, things have changed. Complicated situations desire nuanced solutions."
"Yes your track record does speak for itself, but this year you seem disinterested in the going-ons of Nomad. Even outside of us mortals, you've been borderline negligent of events here. It's almost as if you're a different person." Mayor Amaterasu once again paused as she waited for the silence to give her the go ahead. She didn't really need to do this. People hung on her every word. Then she spoke, smiling slyly.
"I assure you the sun will raise on Nomad again." Then another reporter shouted out.
"Excuse me mayor, what of the reports on the drugs being created and moved throughout Nomad?!" This out burst did not please Mayor Amaterasu. The other guards pulled him out of the crowd. Fear painted his face.
"Avert your gaze", Mayor Amaterasu commanded the media mob. They all looked at the ground. The reporter pulled out the crowd, was forced onto his knees and his face was held so that he had no choice but to look upon the mayor. Then the mayor started glowing. At first dimly, but then a blinding light engulfed the Hermit Housing Projects in their entirety. the reporter screamed in agony, but it was snuffed out almost as soon as it escaped his mouth.
When the the lights died down, it was no longer raining. The day was as bright and warm as any summer day. The reporters turned back, the guards removed their hands from their eyes. A pile of ash was where the rude reporter was once held. The reporters tried, but collectively failed to hide the horror on their faces.
"Let this be a lesson", Mayor Amaterasu warned. "Speak on those drugs at your own risk. And speak on this foolish reporter at your own risk." Mayor Amaterasu motioned at the ash with her gaze. A bright orange limo pulled up to the scene. The mayor and her guards got in and drove off.