Another one.
That was the sixth time she had to answer the phone, only to be greeted by a cacophony of booms from a bunch of voices that filled the entire room. This was already the ninth call this noon, she had to answer.
For obligations, of course. If she were not currently in her position as she is now, she would have rather directly overseen more crucial affairs rather than have to deal with calls.
"Rin, the big sister from Millenium is on the line for you." Along came a voice, a drawl in its tone as it called.
"Hm? Still not done dealing with Kronos?"
With an expression devoid of any emotion from the Chief Administrative Officer, the Vice President of the General Student Council and Acting Leader, Rin Nanagami sat on her reclining chair still, overworked stiff, stressed, and hasn't slept in weeks yet still soldiered through for what she felt feel the cumbersome weight of the Kronos News Club's own president attempt to pry her for any information.
Then the ringing sounds. So many, so loud. It felt never ending for her, like the persistent mosquito that kept on pestering her on and on about the mysterious individual. All she could do was silently pull through to the relentless questions at her for anything on the stranger.
Like even she has any to add.
The only thing that was being added instead was the stress pushing her precariously closer to her wit's end.
Even though Rin had initially expected Kronos students to jump headfirst for the new happenings in Kivotos turned out to be left as baffled as the GSC is this time.
Now that was an amusing irony in itself. If Rin could just remember to laugh, that would be great.
Although she had the choice to ignore the calls and not respond at all, that was always the option.
No longer once the significant volume of phone calls and witness testimonies being sent their way regarding the exact figure made it impossible for her to disregard.
So, she took it upon herself to go through tons of calls for any reliable information.
A feat more headache inducing than lending assistance to Valkyrie.
Whether it was the student councils of other schools or any other source, Rin listened, except when it came to Gahenna; They're ah… a different case.
It started with just a single call from a representative from Trinity. Where one claimed a mysterious figure, with an almost surreal presence, manifested itself and vanished like a phantom precisely in their time of need.
Triggered the detonation of a tank with a single hand gesture or summoned a cascade of explosives from above. How creative; would have been her first thought.
Either way, by a miracle, they won the battle, whether real that it appeared to change the course in their victory before it departed or not.
Now that was the fluff newspapers and news articles would love to publish about. Any worthless drivel to feel good about in the most shallow of way.
As first relayed to her by a Trinity student who initially reported the information, the man engaged ferociously in combat. He refrained from targeting the shooters and instead focused on the weapon with an impressive aim to achieve such an act of disarming the rioters.
The person has a heart, apparently.
While another from the Justice Taskforce claimed she had a perfect view from the roof to witness, with several smoke grenades from the Valkyrie students deployed across the battlefield, the glimpse of the man charged into the line of fire unscathed once the enemy forces began to break their line, his weapon raised high above his head, and emerged to the enemy side to slug rioters across the head like a baseball bat, no less.
In a bold move, even decided to toss his weapon at one rioter, but he didn't stop there - he went up close to "finish the job" and retrieve his weapon and repeat until none were left.
However, in that very moment, it became impossible for her and the GSC to dismiss it as mere battle-fatigue induced mass hysteria that presented a guardian angel had bestowed its blessings upon the battlefield.
The person bore the name of "Thirteen".
Not when they received a picture of the figure who looked like it came out of a movie screening of a Western movie with his back turned during the fight became utterly impossible to disregard
The figure bore a striking resemblance straight out of a vintage Highlander Railway Academy's visual training guide booklets for first years.
The man was dressed in a worn, weathered brown leather coat that billow behind, their face obscured beneath a tanned black hat that shielded their identity. They exuded an aura reminiscent of vintage films featuring horseback-riders armed with revolvers.
As the figure stood there, their presence seemed to stand out. Even surrounded by the chaos of his figure, contrasted everyone and everything around him. Like he does not belong in the photograph at all. The surrounding backdrop, bathed in the warm hues of sun ripped by gunfire shots across, it all did to create a backdrop that intensified the mystique.
Devoid of a halo suspended above his head.
It was madness! How could this individual evade their notice? Ignore the fact that they're without a halo, but to even walk around the prime district in plain public with no care, the absolute gull is just downright… Impressive.
In fact, it gave the intended effect for Rin something to ponder about.
Cowboy… Thirteen.
As she stared at the large screen, her eyes narrowed in concentration, completely fixated on the never-ending repetition of a single line of word that seemed to swirl around her head like a broken record, playing the same voice over and over again.
On purpose? To remind her of something?
It did sounded familiar, yet distorted.
Her mind couldn't comprehend to whom the voice belonged, which made her feel nostalgic for reasons she couldn't quite grasp.
Rin swore she heard that word spoken many times by someone before.
However, for the time being, she concluded the call with Kronos. Regardless of the circumstances, it is inevitable that the picture will find its way into their hands, and in due time, the entire population of Kivotos will see.
That alone was a mountain of headache for Rin. Which she pinched her temple as she laid back from her chair to relax a moment.
"Rinny-chan."
"Rin… Rin, Millenium is still on the line waiting on you." Rin gazed at Momoka.
Only for Momoka to chime in once again with a fleeting sigh after catching sight of the frustration on their acting leader's face, deep in thought. Not something she wants to deal with as her head sank for a moment before she reluctantly picked up the call. "I'll put her on hold." With a button press.
As expected, remaining true to her nature, she proceeded with the most sarcastic and protracted speech; Sensed with a hint of subdued annoyance to the side, with the patience of a saint to bear the trouble and hold herself down to not press the end call immediately.
"Hello, you've reached the "put on hold." line. Unfortunately, our line operators are currently busy with other inquiries. Please wait until a representative is available to assist you with your problem."
"Momoka." Rin grumbled.
"Okay, okay. Here." Not to be in the crosshair, Momoka crooned and promptly redirected the line to the central computer utilized by the acting leader.
The handler's name, Tsukatsuki, Rio, glowed in bold letters beneath the display.
Within moments, the video feed flickered to life. The large screen revealed the unmistakable visage of Rin's Milenium counterpart, an acquaintance. Her expression, the usual calm and collected for the Big sister of Millenium, filled the screen, exuding an aura of composed authority. The big sister of Millenium Academy. President of the Seminar student council. She spoke.
"Nanagami."
"Tsukatsuki."
Woah!… Such force… Speechless, Momoka found solace in a secluded corner where she slide along on her office-chair, her eyes watching on the colossal figures standing on high political pedestals engaged in an intense battle.
"By how you neglected to answer my call earlier. It would mean the big secret is already out." Rio stated. "Tell me, was the first word that out escaped from the front-lines came from Gahenna? Probably Kronos?"
So that's what you're after… Quite cunning of you to engage in sending one of your own to elicit a favor from me… That answered why the first set of photos came from Seminar.
A favor for another.
If there was a bizarre image of Rin coming off as unprofessional by scoffing, Momoka knew she had to erase it from her memory.
"Please, as if I need your assessment of my ability to socialize." Rin directed her gaze towards the Seminar president with a touch of contempt.
"But indeed, Trinity has, in fact, already called several inquiries about the matter first." Rin added with an understanding nod. "About the stranger."
"Hm. Yes, the highlander as I'm shown. I do hope those pictures would be of help. Now, how much do you know?"
"Should be the same as yours. A lot of questions, and I'm sure you won't get from me as well."
"Suppose you already distinguish between reality and fiction with all of these rumors swirling around?"
Ah, the old grape vine of Kivotos, questionable unreliability aside, it always never fails to grow and spread by word of mouth. Always.
It doesn't matter if the informations behind it is embellished; for the grapevine, it's natural order ensures that each passing story from one to another becomes increasingly distorted and further contorted, transforming from a firsthand account into a loose work of fiction.
"For what I am hearing as of late. The explosions that rained from the sky. His disappearing act, are one of the few that have lost me. As all the representatives have witnessed him turn into thin air made out to me by calls."
"Which presents us with an entirely new dilemma. Its existence, if he, poses a threat to Kivotos." In a statement, Rio reached a conclusion.
"Indeed. However, that particular question is still up in the air. I wouldn't pass on the idea he might be just as he claims of a tourist passing through, however. It would be fair to mention his help to the representatives should stand as its own merit."
"And If not? We're not certain, no; left in the dark about this person. We know virtually nothing about him but his appearance and a "name" if you could even call it at that."
What a mess this has been. For someone like Rin, it's been almost months since the GSC's president's disappeared in a cloud of smoke, and what followed is the entire order of Kivotos seems to have been turned over its head. And amidst all this chaos, this person suddenly shows up out of nowhere and deals with this much impact already.
What a terrible foreshadowing this was turning into.
For Rin, that thought always stayed. It momentarily unsettled her with the undeniable likelihood. "I cannot shake off that thought, honestly. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that this individual may be of great interest. I could already picture his expertise as support."
There wasn't really any other choice now, as sensei failed to arrive. It left Rin to face off with a tough decision, mentally prepared herself to take any risk if given the chance. To not accept this chance for help from an outsider with whom she hoped for him to possess no connection nor vested interest in the city and the skills to show for would be a waste to not try her hand on.
A wanderer couldn't forever rove. She contemplated, and acknowledged that the nomadic lifestyle wasn't sustainable in the long term, and the specter of old age always lingered ever so behind, patiently awaiting its time.
"If the worse those come to fruition, then we're left with no choice. If he is what he claims to the representatives, then I will join you on this matter. I heard rumors regarding his craftiness with tools. - those explosions should have come from somewhere. His outside knowledge should also prove a boon."
Rin nodded in agreement.
"However, make no mistake, if by success we talked him into lending his aid… Any such suspicion aroused by him-"
"Is all it takes to have to be disposed. Yes, I know."
"It appears that we can find common ground. Surprising." Rio acknowledged with a nod, briefly averting her gaze downwards.
"Yes… surprising." Rin echoed before she continue. "Hm, the representative you sent. I heard she was the second to meet this person. Perhaps you could divulge on things she may have forgotten to mention to me?"
Rio returned to look at the screen. "Ahh, Hayase. Indeed, first off, she claims to have seen the person's face during her charge towards the tank. An adult, apparently. Looked about old, with gray disheveled beard with an equal long hair with parts of a fading blond with blue eyes that shifts erratically." As she recounted what her accountant reported.
"Are there any more features we could go on?" Rin continued to inquire.
"Hmm…" Rio then looked down once more before returning.
"Besides the photo. By his side, concealed beneath the coat, suspended from his belt, a peculiar golden emblem of sorts caught Hayase's attention as she evaluated the man's well-being."
In that exact moment, Rin felt the world around her freeze at the mere utterance of the gold trinket. Despite the catch in her breath, she summoned the strength to compose herself, her mind slowly unraveling the shadow of the man.
With bated breath, she ventured to pose another question, each word a step into the unfolding mystery. "Are you sure? W-would you mind giving a description?"
Rio continued to read the report. "Hm, seems unimportant, but it's described as a star within a circle, both made of gold, surrounded by words along the edge." She noted, her expression betraying a hint of intrigue.
"Regrettably, she wasn't able to see clearly what it said. Someone like him will undoubtedly be difficult to track. You can be confident that our security measures will be sufficient."
—
Should prove sufficient, she said. Momoka grumbled.
What a load of bull… As she scoffed at that claim, a hint of amusement danced in her eyes, accompanied by a subtle curl of her lips. So, it became clear that no matter how advanced technology may become, it would always struggle to compete with the sheer force of a person's stubbornness.
"The tremor's effect are more heavily affected further beyond that room. Practically formed inside there." A member of the GSC who was reading it on her a handheld device made the fact known.
Really, it wasn't the powerful quakes that worried her more with an almost grimaced expression. It was where she stood before a door opened next to an electrical keypad lock with its metallic frame discarded on the ground with a prominent dent, practically a large hole. Colored wires spewed out from the device dangled precariously, their frayed ends spitting out sparks that sizzled in the air.
So, without tracking the tremors, it was already obvious someone broke in. Seemed to be an explosion that was set off prematurely by the looks of it, yet thankfully, the tower miraculously remained intact amidst the tremors and shockwave.
As strange as it may sound, the wires' torn ends used to be connected to a circuit board. Well, it was originally supposed to. Now it's just gone. What a weird thing to take.
So, if the electronic lock is next to gutted, what was the point in all of this? In case of a power outage, the hydraulics were designed to remain as they were - locked off or if not.
Now a picture was forming, about how the door was open:
Someone must have busted the lock, being able to overpower the hydraulic mechanism. No keycard access and passcode? No problem, turns out just jimmying the door was far easier, apparently. What a beast to attempt such a thing.
While many of her colleagues gathered around the door, Momoka couldn't help but surmise that going to work today was a terrible decision.
"Everyone, get ready. I know some of us are more used with brains more than our… index fingers. We should be fine, as we have the advantage of having the intruder trapped inside the basement level. So, just follow my-… the drone's lead and keep calm. What a drag…"
"Once you hear the first gunfire, doesn't matter from who, just start firing."
Momoka dragged her eyes to the rest of her colleagues, seeing them fiddle around with their firearms, looking unsure of just about what they're about to do at all. All that she can't even blame after all.
Most of them are used to working behind a desk. Pencil pushers. Not behind a trigger, so it's no wonder most of them could barely hold a rifle without already to expect it to fly off their hands on the first pull of the trigger. She can't place the blame on them.
After all, they do have marksmanship training, although present, one needs to understand months that comprise the most action they'll get, is running down the hall for a meeting they're supposed to attend at the last second or pushing a cart to deliver mails to cubicles rendered most of those trainings insufficient.
Alright, breath easy.
Her eyes watched as a swat of drones flown into the room.
Silence followed.
The GSC members looked at each-other with questioning looks. Was that good? It must be good a sign. There's no shooting; Is what must have been their thoughts.
Glances and turns from the GSC members at one another with a shallow sigh, partial relief.
The glances exchanged between the GSC members spoke volumes, their eyes filled with a mix of weariness and anticipation. A subtle tension lingered in the air, as if they were collectively holding their breath. The hall was filled with the hushed whispers of relief. It was a moment of respite between them, a fleeting pause in their collective journey, as they braced themselves for what lay beyond the door.
Momoka was not entirely sure, but there was something worth contemplating: the deafening silence proved too far more comforting for all of them than the chance of gunfire to echo across the hall.
But even for her, it won't last long.
She raised her hand, and with a swift descent, forward as a signal for the first group to barge in, guns at the ready. The room fell silent as her hand rose, anticipation thick in the air.
After this, I'm going to go demand a raise and buy it all on chips later.
Tension gripped everyone's bodies, hearts pounding in their chests, mouths either wincing or slightly agape. The cold metal of the guns pressed against their palms, ready to unleash their power.
In one swift motion of her open palm, the thunderous footsteps echoed through the room, prompting everyone to charge forward, gripping their weapons tightly as one by one filled the room for the Crafting Chambers, ready for the intruder with everything they got.
Waves upon wave of bodies pushed themselves in as they descended upon the room, with Momoka just behind.
There he was. In the center of the room, they stood motionless, devoid of any weapon raised, surrounded by silence and stillness. That was easy. Though that begs the question, Momoka wondered what could be so important in this room to be broken in.
The pressing query lingered momentarily, brushed aside by the cadence for the person to speak.
"No need for weapons, I'm not here to-"
"Wahh!"
In an instant, a high-pitched voice reverberated through the air, slicing through the silence. The abruptness of the sound caused heads to snap in its direction, their eyes widening with curiosity. Accompanying the shrill cry were the jarring echoes of multiple metallic clanks, resonating with a resounding thud that echoed in the ears of onlookers at the fallen woman that tripped over.
The sudden commotion filled the space, replacing tension and intrigue of the man and towards… "Ayumu? Are you alright over there?" Momoka first to said, not breaking eye-contact towards the stranger who still stood idle, called out to the ditzy girl on the ground.
Before she added. "I mean, I would help, but my legs are pretty tired from my gun and this bag of potato chips with me. Real troublesome it would be." She gave the bag of said potato chips held with her arm a shake.
Well, it at least eased the tension.
"… I still have no plan to fight… Is she alright over there?"
What followed was an unremarkable turn of events, save for the sight of a vast stockpile of weapons and explosives they stumbled upon. The intruder, without putting up a fight, surrendered effortlessly and went to reach for his two revolvers before he rest them over a near table.
For now, Momoka with content to enjoy her bag of potato chips for now.
She did her part of the job: check for the source of the tremors, report any damages, and see for any intruders unwelcome to the headquarters. Let Rin take control once more. Momoka thought with absolute. She already had her fill of action today.
—
"Finally, it's a pleasure to meet you in person."
"Oh, you flatter me. But why not just get it over with?"
…
"What do you think they're talking about in there?" One GSC member piped up. She prodded another as she nudged her arms, only to be swatted swiftly away in annoyance.
Rin? The stranger? Both? Honestly, it's really bothersome, Momoka thought. Right now, she hasn't been told any more to order than to stand guard at the door. She pushed a chair nearby to rest her legs.
Not to stand against anyone outside if they might try to break in, but if for the one inside breaks out.
While the others were engaged in idle gossips and speculation behind the closed door.
"Hold on, I can't hear anything with you talking over." Argued the other member, who pressed her ear against the door, desperately hoping to catch any sound from the other side.
"Ooh, I can't hold it anymore, the suspense between man and-!" The one prodding become exasperated with the evidence of her flushed cheeks turning a shade of red. Only the other one wasn't having any of it and with her hand, shoved and cupped the mouth with an accompanying word.
"Quiet, you-!"
One member of the GSC walked up and asked, "What are the girls doing?" Her question filled with genuine curiosity.
The annoying one pushed herself off from the door with a horrific smile of an expression like a villain about to share her devious plot with the hero. Even while she rubbed both of her hands together to complete the image. "Well, if you must know-" But she never got far as a hand covered her mouth once more.
"Hold it, don't drag her into you perverted delusions," the sensible girl interjected, her voice laced with disapproval. From behind the closed door, her ears strained to catch every word, the muffled sounds of the argument filling the air. The scent of anticipation hung heavy, so much that both were breathing deep breaths, while her partner-in-crime, just as guilty, pressed against the door beside her.
Soon, Ayumu came running towards them. "Excuse me!"
"Hm, Ayumu-senpai?" One of the GSC member murmured.
"Ayumu, what's the problem?" Momoka finally spoke. In the most casual manner, naturally. Unperturbed, she remained in her seat.
"Rin-senpai asked to send her this package."
Following instructions, they proceeded to knock on the door.
As the door creaked open, a sliver of light illuminated the room, revealing the acting-leader standing there. The air felt tense, charged with anticipation. The sound of the door echoed through the silence, creating an eerie atmosphere. Indescribably by even the ones who are most close to Rin. Momoka, and Ayumu being one. A mix of curiosity and apprehension filled the air as the acting-president reached out and grabbed the box, their hand trembling slightly as the door shuts close.
—
"There was this desert I was walking along, alright, I came to this city and decided to take a closer look myself because sometimes your eyes play tricks on you. But, I admittedly still am curious to even imagine a city of all things. That was until a sandstorm formed and I took my chances and ran for shelter for the night in one of the homes. Which is abandoned before I came here. I want to make it clear."
"And you have never been to Kivotos before?"
"Not that I can remember."
"Are you certain?"
"Nada."
"Surely, you might be misremembering."
"We could keep going in circles and my answer would still be the same. No, I don't know any bright light from the sky, I woke up… sucking sand on the desert floor. I wouldn't even bat an eye if I did. And no, I had never been here before earlier before… This is my first time here. Believe me, I'm sure in myself I wouldn't bother to leave if that were the case." Strange to think how all of this went down. How I went down.
Still alive and breathing.
Now, lost to where in hell I was.
I do know I was in a city called Kivotos… A place where not on any map I ever read. Hard to imagine it could be a settlement constructed after the war and still be this advanced. Even use precious circuit boards that somehow produced as thin as a saltine cracker for electronic locks on their doors. Something I loath its use at something so trivial as a waste of potential and marvel at its complexity.
But beyond just the name of the city, its streets and beyond the city itself is a mystery.
Now, I found myself sitting in an interrogation room, having fed this person lies. Well, only half of it. I wasn't even sure why I had done it anymore. I had completely lost track of what was happening and felt the need to uncover the reasons behind it all. Now, my focus has shifted to figuring out how I can fix this situation I found myself in.
The lady I was talking to was Rin. She looked about like some pre-war elves from those comic books I regularly find in ramshackle shops.
Those picture book is with men in those loincloths with big muscles accompanied by equally enormous swords held high and where the women are well-endowed with magic light coming out of their hands. It's like I stepped into one.
Huh, kind of like Rin. You're probably telling me now I somehow just defied reality, and most likely sobriety, and found myself in a place that has these halo-hovering folks running around just before I hit land?
I couldn't help but replay the chaotic descent from orbit, and the horrible taste of it all best to describe as a bad energy drink, the vivid memory of being blinded before a rough touchdown on land. It was as if the very fabric of space or the man above the clouds had found hilarity in me being plucked and tossed away to be with her and those people outside, like an inexplicable twist of fate.
Just a sardonic chuckle had threatened to bubble up within me, as I couldn't help but picture the absurdity of it all. A real comedian, I mused, as if the universe itself had been on top of the grand stage of a cosmic comedy club or some dead-end sleazy joint at New Reno and I'm their butt of the joke I couldn't even get, and they don't have at least the common decency to let me in what's hilarious.
It made for them more funny that way; I suppose.
Of all the things the wasteland could throw at me and this was the best they could do was that sole joke that had seemed both comically tragic and strangely fitting.
Take someone who found freedom after years in isolation and let him enjoy his years as a freeman until we tossed him somewhere far away to be once more isolated from everyone he knew - what a riot that could be.
The acrid taste of cynicism had crept into my thoughts, an ironic stench that had lingered in the air as I entertained the notion. I wasn't typically that gullible when faced with the peculiarities of the unknown during my travels. It comes with the territory. But sometimes I saw some things that kept made me question myself, stayed close to occupy in my thoughts to wonder.
It even raised doubts in my head as if I was sober; either the jet, or plants like Peyote or Datura and its mutated form, or just the booze. Really, anything that just affirmed what I saw, and I wasn't insane or high.
Now? No, this was different. It was too strange for me. Too strange for even Bellgrave to grasp around his conspiracy ridden head to even believe. And that man has a pension for the strange, this is just way off from his usual wild ramblings.
Perhaps, I thought, I might as well play along with this unintentional comedic masterpiece for now along to learn everything I can, and to the audience, if there were any left to care, might have found solace in the bitter symphony of the collective laughter echoing through at my expense. Go enjoy it.
Then again, that theory might not entirely be on the side of crazy. The halos are a proof of that too.
My gaze returned fixated on Rin as she reappeared, a mysterious box cradled in her hands. The sleek black surface of which caught my attention to what could be inside as she delicately set it on the table.
With deliberate care, she opened the lid, revealing a peculiar, thin rectangular object with a reflective surface on top, resembling polished glass. With a deliberate and careful movement, extracted a folded piece of paper and placed it gently beside the enigmatic object in a sequence.
"Here is the map you requested. In paper. I hope I can at least convince you for one last time to consider my offer."
The subtle rustle of the paper dragged against the cold steel table close to me as I unfold this mystery.
Oh, Thirteen… What a fool you are.
"If it isn't the result you're looking for, then my apologies."
"No, no…" My mouth left mumbles as I read it.
This place... No, the continent. It's not North-America anymore... Hell, I am sure no map I saw ever showed where I was. It looked like I was in Europe, but all the land masses appeared distorted, molded everything all wrong in places.
An uncanny feeling that crept up the more I look. I struggled to grasp it, but it ended up engulfing me. I try to find logic in what I was seeing.
This is different... Different is supposed to be bad. Something I don't have the slightest clue about is reason enough for panic. An uncompromising variable that eludes predictability. That is bad.
I heard Rin's voice spoke. "Again, you are welcome to stay and hear my offer…"
But everything just felt silence. I couldn't think. Too much was happening at once, from horrible to bad.
"You may live with your belongings as is and in return..."
My gaze drifted slowly away from Rin and settled on the distant corner behind her. There, a young man caught my attention. He appeared to be in his early teens, dressed in a disheveled blue and yellow outfit. First time in a long while I ever had this unease within as I watched him huddled on the ground, alone. He tightly embraced his legs, his body trembling with quiet sobs. The sound of his whimpering reached my ears, faint but distinct, a poignant melody of pain and sadness.
He begins fervently scratching at his own skin, using the tips of his nails to dig into the surface, creating a sickening squelching sound. As he continues, the sight of blood spatters and trickles down his hands becomes increasingly vivid.
It was a struggle to watch, as was unexpected. Never I had these feeling surfaced after what happened to the Callister farmstead. Afraid.
"In charge of assistance in and around Kivotos…"
Just in a few seconds, he disappeared with a single blink of my eyes. Even after years not using Jet, the hallucinations just won't go away. Suppose it's a reminder of what happened and what would if I relapsed back into the chem's habit.
But I made my decision.
"… Then… uh… Well, no sense in looking around more here, is there? Might as well make myself at home then. I need something to keep myself busy." There was admittedly a moment of hesitation, but the reality slapped me hard. I could not go home. There was no logical way for how or where to even begin.
I… might as well really make the most of everything now. There is nothing left to stop me. No more.
Yet…
Everything... Dogmeat, Joshua, Arcade, Xian, Beatrice, BlackJack, Roy, Amanita, Ashley, Kirisu, Otto, Christina, bear, Ashley. Hell, even that double-crossing assassin, Alexandria, that tried to kill me.
I'll miss seeing their ugly mugs.
The rangers that found me and soon the brothers and sisters I fought with. The people I met, the places I went, and the many things I've done. There were still businesses back home I haven't yet concluded and now, most likely, won't.
I could feel it hung heavy. The feeling I wouldn't be able to see them again as my muddled memories came flashing back in my eyes.
Oh, God… There is nothing I could do now, is there?
I might as well be dead to them. To the wasteland, for all I know…
I am Forgotten.
My focus returned to Rin, who didn't seem to notice me not listening to her earlier as she continued on. "This is what the General Student Council president left… for you. A relic of sorts built to resemble a smart tablet. The Shittim Chest."
Smart Tablet… Doesn't ring a bell, but must be a terminal of sorts also…
"Shittim Chest, huh? Sure doesn't look like a chest, but it rings something familiar..."
As Rin's eyes glance away, she catches sight of the man's comment and the sudden appearance of a blue electric glow from his thumb when close to touch the tablet.
Rin passed me the peculiar item. As my fingers grazed its frigid surface, I detected the tactile sensation of steel or some metallic substance and the sleekness of a glass display. Is it a terminal?
"It may seem like a normal tablet, but its origins are a mystery. It's manufacturer, OS, system structure, and components are completely unknown. She left the Shittim Chest to You. Said that you could be trusted to control the tower." Rin continues to explain about this strange device in my hands.
"None of the other members know of how to activate it. Perhaps with you, it would be different. If not, then we can leave it at that."
So, I gave it a shot. I pressed what resembled a button, and the thing emitted a soft glow. A screen!
But the thing needed a password... Well, I think I could give something a shot. Hm, really interesting that the keys are digital now. The tablet didn't need keys physically, really intuitively.
[We long for the seven wailings. We bear the koan of Jericho.]
[Welcome to the Shittim Chest, sensei.]
[Converting to operating system ARONA for biological authentication and generation of verification certificate…]
"It seems my job is done. I'd welcome you myself around the headquarters, but I have to deal with the aftermath of today's incursion across our district. On the behalf of the GSC, we thank you for your help." Rin's lips curled into a smile, that serious cold expression of hers lessen for a moment as she nodded.
"Well, I wouldn't just stand idle while a tank strolled down the streets." I remarked, a wry smile playing on my lips, forced it across my face, as I dismissed her with a nonchalant wave.
She walked to the door and opens it. "Shall we?" she asked, the ambient sounds of chatters outside filtering into the room.
"No, I think I'll stay here for another minute or two. I still need to grasp everything, or really just today's revelation." I replied, my gaze wandering back to this tablet.
"I see... Feel free to look for me later or inquire with my colleagues for a proper introduction. In the meantime, you can take a stroll outside or the headquarters to get yourself acquainted. We'll meet again later."
With the door closed behind her, I found myself once again in solitude, the muted hums and muffled talks outside serving as a backdrop to my contemplation.
I found myself only stay silent.
—
Later in the night…
I gazed out into the city, observing its myriad of lights illuminating the dark sky as I settled back into my chair. My eyes fixed on the expansive canvas of the ink-black sky, where only a handful of stars gleamed tonight. The vastness above looked lonely. It invited me a contemplation in the evening's quietude.
Regardless, it suits me while I wait for this tablet to verify my certificate or whatever it's doing. I've propped up the tablet using a stack of books, letting it lean on my desk for the time being.
Today, I can't muster the enthusiasm to accomplish much of anything, really. The events recently have drained any incentive to act, even dampening my resolve to check my firearms' condition or strip the unneeded excess of rifles and submachine-guns for parts.
Either way, I still have to move the rest of my cargo to a safe place tomorrow. I don't like it being left alone in some ruins too long than I can comfortably let.
I look around this office; the lights are off, so the only illumination I have comes from the window, casting a dim glow from the city outside. And here I am, alone and seeking solace through music as my only escape from this isolation. I turn to my pip-boy to tune into some stations playing and found something I could relax to.
As the soft introduction of melodies filled the air, the room took on a tranquil ambiance.
Gone were the days when I had to constantly stay alert, even when asleep. I had to keep an ear to the ground even at the slightest sound around me, in the constant suspicion that someone or something might sneak up on me. The fear of waking up to a knife against my throat or being left beaten and robbed felt like a distant nightmare now that I'm in a safer place.
Finally, for the first time, I allowed myself to be enveloped by the soothing embrace of a song. I could sit in my chair, leaning back, closing my eyes, and let the music transport me to a realm where I could relax without a care or worry.
At least, by some miracle or just a cruel taunt to laugh at me, I could still listen in my old world.
The radio continuous to play the soft horns of the instruments from Aileen Stanley's "All by Myself" immersed me as just it caressed the air, gently weaving a melancholic melody that resonated with the solitude of the moment.
Finally, the announcer's voice gracefully introduced the song before the first lyrics play. A palpable sense of melancholy settled in, each chord echoing within my head.
"All by myself in the morning;
All by myself in the night. I sit alone in a cozy Morris chair;
So unhappy there, playing solitaire all by myself, I get lonely; "
Begin again. I remember now how lonely life was at the start.
…
…
Right, I still have to talk to Rin about this smart tablet or whatever it is.
A/N: Ho ho ho, so the introductions are now officially done and time for the real first chapter next!
The original idea for chapter 4 included this quote directed at Rin:
"Try to pull a fast one on me. Believe me, I just need a single shot."
"This ain't no nine-millimeter. This here is forty-five-seventy government. I'm making sure there's a hole peeking through behind that head of yours, so I suggest you behave and think about your next move. Believe me, I'm lost and have nothing to lose."
Yeah, too stupid, I know, that's why I scrapped it in favor for the Wakamo scene instead.
Originally, this was supposed to be a short chapter, but since I didn't manage to post it in time and was held back, I just added the Rin and Rio scene.
Also, a merry early Christmas and a even earlier happy new year to you readers. Hope you guys and girls, but let's be real that you're all guys, enjoy your time with your family.
For now, I have to continue chapter 5 and save up for Miyako since I missed her last banner. Wish me luck!
Good bye for now!
