Adinim Sebag
Leaving Akhaqia's base, Adinim and Huia walked to their not-so-welcoming home. They trekked through Hassa Curie, where everyone hurried to their patchwork homes before nightfall. The night in Hassa Curie brought nothing but danger. Anyone out after dark was usually up to no good.
As they walked, they passed clusters of broken shanty structures, crudely pieced together with mismatched materials that barely held up under uneven coverings. A massive door adorned with silver markings gleamed despite the years. Its polished chrome surface starkly contrasted with the surrounding decay. When opened, light poured through from the other side, casting rays into Hassa Curie. Impossible to miss, it offered a glimpse of something better—like salt in the wound for those exiled here.
This door, separating Hassa Curie from the rest of the Alfheim Empire—Equilibrium Haven and Aurora Glade—was a constant reminder to Adinim of life before exile. Tonight, it would open again, as it always did, every month, to discard the so-called "trash."
It brought Adinim's memories back to when he was one of those so-called "trash." Adinim glanced at the new arrivals—children who seemed destined for an early grave. This group didn't look like they'd survive long; their somber expressions and pampered demeanor betrayed their former lives of comfort. Watching the newly exiled—a mirror of himself two years ago—made Adinim uneasy. There were at least four hundred of them, recently exiled from places like Equilibrium Haven, with its towering skyscrapers, or Aurora Glade, rich with greenery. This monthly ritual had grown stale for Adinim. Repetition breeds desensitization, after all.
Adinim glanced at a group of children who had been in the same position last week. Their clothes were cleaner than most, their faces free of the despair etched into long-term residents. "Fresh meat," as Hassa Curie called them—hungry, hesitant, and lingering by the door, as if hoping to be let back in.
After glancing around, Adinim noticed Huia with a saddened look. Huia seemed on the verge of crying, observing the unfolding scene and the so-called "trash" joining Hassa Curie. Sentimental fool, Adinim thought.
"Let's go, Huia," Adinim said.
Huia, distracted by what he was seeing, snapped out of his daze when he heard Adinim. "Oh," he said. "Yeah, right. We have a big day tomorrow."
The two walked through Hassa Curie and reached an oh-so-familiar place—a poorly cobbled-together hut that looked barely constructed, much like everything else in the area. What made it stand out was a metal eye sigil placed at the top of the house. Someone had placed it there, believing it would offer protection by "watching over them." The house had a crooked roof and was cluttered with random items, making it a mystery how it was still standing.
The house resembled a child's scribble brought to life—a chaotic masterpiece created by Adinim and Huia. They entered without saying a word to anyone, heading straight to their beds. Adinim climbed to the top of the bunk bed, while Huia took the bottom bunk.
Meanwhile, Akhaqia was hopeful. He believed this job could change the trajectory of his life and give his sister a brighter future.
Maadhela Akhaqia
In a shadowy hallway, Akhaqia stood waiting when someone teleported into the area.
"You're late," Akhaqia said.
The newcomer was a man in a mask.
"Is everything ready?" the man asked.
"Yes," Akhaqia replied. "I assume you'll have the money?"
"That won't be a problem," the man said.
"So, where will I find you when it's done?" Akhaqia asked further.
"Don't worry; I'll find you," the man said ominously. "If you can't find me, try to contact SAVASS."
The man, clad in armor that fit him perfectly, carried a black sword with a translucent gray blade. The weapon seemed almost alive, exuding an aura of warning to any potential enemies.
SAVASS, Akhaqia thought to himself. There's no way that could spell anything good. But if there was any chance that taking on this job could secure a better future for his sister, it was worth the risk.
The man teleported away in a puff of shadow. Akhaqia, seeing that he was gone, began his walk home, leaving the shadowy halls behind.
Adinim Sebag
As the stars and moon transitioned to the dominant star—the sun—it was daybreak. Roosters could be heard crowing. Today was the day.
Adinim Sebag rolled out of bed, shielding his eyes from the sunlight creeping through the window. In a daze, he got up and tried to wake Huia, who was still sleeping on the bottom bunk.
"Huia!" Adinim yelled, tapping him to wake him up.
Huia, still half-asleep, mumbled sluggishly.
Adinim went outside, grabbed a bucket of water, returned, and threw it in Huia's face.
A shocked gasp followed by heavy breathing filled the room as Huia shot up, now wide awake.
"What the hell, Adinim?!" Huia yelled, glaring at him.
Seeing Huia's reaction, Adinim bolted, laughing. Like children playing tag, Huia chased after him. After about fifteen minutes, Huia managed to throw water at Adinim, satisfied with his revenge.
Once both were ready, they made their way to Akhaqia's base, trekking through the usual makeshift quarters of Hassa Curie. After several minutes of walking, they reached a house with cracks and vines covering its walls.
Adinim knocked on the door. Before he could knock again, a click was heard, followed by a low creak as the door opened.
Standing there was Lily, her massive smile and innocent eyes gleaming.
"Denim!" she exclaimed excitedly.
Adinim's memories of promising to play with her came rushing back. Shaken, he watched as she started running in circles, singing, "Denim, denim, denim," as if it were a song.
Huia burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying Adinim's predicament.
"Lily, you should probably dress him up like your princess dolls," Huia teased.
Adinim shot Huia a murderous look, but Lily's eyes lit up.
"Oh, yes!" Lily said, abandoning her "Denim" chant in favor of a new one: "Princess, princess!"
Adinim sighed and followed Lily into her room. Before entering, he muttered, "No, princess."
Lily's excitement dimmed until Adinim added, "But we can play everything else."