When we arrived back, the trucks didn't take the usual way to the front. We went around the side, straight to a side entrance into the warehouse.
The rest of the soldiers were hanging out, the room filled with casual conversation, and laughter. When we came in, it became dead silent and all eyes were on us. Ryu hopped up from where he was, rushing over to us. "What happened!?" No one said anything. Silence and dread filled the air around us. After a moment I spoke up, saying
"The crow's. They were harder to handle than we thought they'd be. The, Uh, the Pyromancer is there now, handling it, though."
Ryu didn't hesitate before his hand and calling some MK's over to him, and responding "Damn it. Alright, you guys rest up. I'm gonna take some guys, recover the bodies, and clean up over there. You all just, just get some rest. You need it." He said before rushing off to a truck, loading up with soldiers.
No argument there. This day sucked. To put it lightly.
I walked off, my mind blank, just conscious enough of my decisions, to make my way home. I went straight to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I was covered in blood.....and feathers. I stripped down, and showered, trying my best to wash this day away. I let the water run over my head as the events of today kept repeating, just as vivid as when they first happened.
I know I shouldn't blame myself for their deaths, but fuck, it feels like I could've done something more. Maybe if I shot faster, payed more attention, something. I'm so used to just taking care of myself. This weight on my heart feels like too much to bear. It's not even the evening yet, and I'm already drained. Fuck it, I'll just go on a walk, I guess.
I got dressed, headed out the door, and ran right into a brick wall. At least that's what it felt like. I fell on my ass, looked up, and was greeted by a Goddess. Everything about her was heavenly, and she radiated a Godly essence. How she stood tall over me, with a body like an Amazonian, how I immediately got lost in her smokey Grey eyes, the shine from her golden brown skin, her long flowing dreadlocks, and the way her plump lips moved as she spoke to me. Wait, she's speaking to me.
"Huh? I'm sorry, I didn't see you." I responded in a daze
"It's okay. I'm sorry. " she responded, with a hand extended. She helped me up, and I dusted myself off "Sorry about that. You okay? " She asked me
"Yeah, I'll be okay." I half-heartedly responded
She looked at me for a moment, with a concerned look on her face. "Come on, you look like you could use some air." She said as she turned around and waved for me to follow.
"Uh. Okay." She led me up the stairs, and I followed without really saying much. Although I was curious as to who she was, so I worked up the courage and asked her "What's your name?"
"Anatara. You can just call me Ana, if you'd like. And yours? "She said as she led us up the stairs
"That's a pretty name. I'm Carly."
"Thanks Carly. We're here now." She said before opening the door to the roof, and it was much more than I expected. It was like a hang out spot, with a few couches, fancy lights, and a great view.
We sat down next to each other, and she asked "Where are you from?" She asked as she stretched her arm over the top of the couch
"Oh, well I was actually born here, and moved to California when I was about ten. When everything happened five years ago, I made my way back here, though."
"All the way from Cali? Shit. That's impressive. You came by yourself? No family, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend.... dog..cat.. goldfish?"
I couldn't help but to chuckle at her question before replying "No. Just me. I did have my boyfriend, but he... he died. And I haven't run into any family out here. Although I haven't been trying. First thing I did was come here. Surprisingly I haven't even thought about finding my family. I've been so wrapped up in all of this."
There was a moment of silence before the sound of slurping interjected. I looked over to the sight of Ana finishing off a juice box. Where'd she even get that from?
"Ahhhh..... Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you've had a rough time. If it makes you feel any better, I stubbed my toe earlier when I was rushing to get dressed." I just looked at her for a moment before bursting into laughter. Something about her dry humor was relieving.
"Thank you, Ana." I replied, managing to muster up a smile
"No problem. Want a juice?" She asked and reached out to me with a juice box in hand. Still no idea where she got it from. I smiled at her and took it, sipping away as we sat together. "You wanna become stronger?" She suddenly asked. The question sent a chill through my entire body
"Yeah. Yeah I do. I've been taking care of myself for so long, but now I've got other people to keep safe. It's new to me. Even before all of this, I didn't have too many people I had to look out for. " I responded.
"Well you're at the right place, then. You're surrounded by some of the strongest people you'll find, around here. Take advantage of it. Strength doesn't just come to you. Unless you're me, of course." Cocky much? "You've gotta work for it. Countless hours of training, and shit like that. Most importantly, you've gotta train your mind. I can tell that you doubt yourself way too much. " She's not wrong about that.
"Where would I start with either one of those? I honestly feel kinda lost." I said to her.
"Eh. You could try training with everyone else. They've been taking a break since David's been down, and out. Usually though, the MKE's train in the warehouse together. Lilith is in charge of hand to hand training. Let's get together tomorrow and beat each other up, for awhile." She casually said, stoic as ever
"Strange way to put it, but sounds like a plan. Hey, you know a lot going on around here. Are you an MK?"
Ana stretched and yawned before answering "Nope. I'm just exhausted. I'll see you in the morning, Carly." She said as she got up, and waved as she walked back inside
"See you later, Ana." Now it was just me, and the sun beginning to set. A beautiful sight to balance the ugly day I've had. I sat there for awhile, till the stars took over the sky, just relaxing. It was a nice change of pace, and it helped me clear my mind. It was starting to get chilly, so I headed back inside. I went back to my room, and layed down. The clock beside my bed read 8:23 pm. Good enough for me. I'm exhausted.
I thought I'd fall asleep as soon as I closed my eyes, but I layed there, just thinking about tomorrow. I wonder what training is gonna be like. Will we spar? I can't fight! I don't think so, anyway. Maybe I can. What if I'm a natural? Rico did teach me some things here and there, to keep me safe. Maybe it won't be so bad.
My train of thought was interrupted by a knock at my door. I went and checked the peephole, and saw Jasmine.
When I opened the door, she gave me a concerned smile and said "Heya. I hope I'm not bothering. I uh, I heard about what happened today. I just wanted to come check on yah. I won't ask if you're okay, cause that's a stupid question. I just wanted to put my peepers on you, and let you know I was thinking about you. Anything you need?" She asked in her sweet southern accent.
Her words knocked down a wall that I didn't even know I had up, making me feel comfortable.
"Well, this is gonna sound weird, but I was having a hard time sleeping. Would you like to hang out for awhile?"
She smiled big and replied "I'll do you one even better. How about a sleepover?" She excitedly asked. I couldn't help but to smile back.
"Sounds like a plan. Come on, I'm sure I've got some pajamas that'll fit you." We went to my room and I rummaged through my stuff, getting Jasmine something to sleep in, before turning the light off and laying down.
"Say. You ever think about whether the world can go back to the way it was?" Jasmine asked as she was getting comfortable
"Hmm. I've never thought about it. I was too busy just trying to stay alive, I guess. Now that you ask, I don't really know. Sheesh it'd take hundreds of years, but we've already done it once, so I think it'll be a bit easier, maybe."
Jasmine lightly chuckled and responded "I think you're right." And layed her head on my chest "so soft" she said, and nuzzled up to me. I rubbed her head, and started to drift off with her, before she lightly called my name "Carly?"
"Yeah, jas?" I answered, putting my hand on her back
"You like strawberries?" she asked. I chuckled and responded
"They're okay. Not the biggest fan" she sighed and responded
"That sucks. I love them." while nuzzling her face in my chest
"I know, lady. now go to sleep" I said while I rubbed her back
"Okay. Goodnight" Then we finally ended up drifting off together