Chapter 12: Shelter
Alright, you rember what we talked about? I asked Brian quietly while I finished putting my gun into my backpack. The stairs down to the shelter sprawled out in front of us, the grim ergency lighting coloring the way an ominous red.
We snuck here, and you only fought the one dog with your axe, he nodded vigorously, and I suppressed a smile.
Thanks for keeping my secret, I told him softly. Even though the gun helped us, adults might not like that I have it because Im not old enough yet. So well just not tell them about it until I can give it back to the security people.
Okay, he replied, clutching his action figure tight.
I finished stowing my gun and ammunition, tucking everything into the folds of my spare outfit to hide them and muffle any noise they might make. Reshouldering my backpack and picking up the ice axe, the last thing I did was to pull my eyepatch out and put it back on. The second it went over my right eye, my HUD disappeared, and I blinked in surprise.
Sothing to keep in mind for the future, I suppose.
I turned to Brian and held out my free hand. He gave a shaless smile and took it, his small fingers warm against my skin. I still felt myself beginning to tense up slightly at the contact, but I shoved the reaction down with the sa familiarity I normally reserved for Lily.
Alright, I said, taking a deep breath as I looked down the subway-like entrance. Lets go then, shall we?
Yeah! Brian agreed.
I glanced at Selene who was standing next to Brian. I gave her a nod, and suddenly she began to glow. After a mont, she flashed with a violet light and was gone, leaving behind only a few fading motes of light. A flash of fear stabbed into
even though I knew it was irrational, that she hadnt really left , just dispelled her physical manifestation. Still
You ready? I thought, hoping it didnt carry over my anxiety.
[Indeed! Let us be off!] Selene replied cheerfully, and reassurance washed through .
I took the first steps down slowly, making sure Brian fell into a comfortable pace with my own before I started going normally. The whole while I made sure to keep my eye on the bottom of the stairs. With Selene not having been able to scout ahead, I felt an irrational nervousness that maybe an Anathema had hidden down there during my fight.
My fears proved unfounded a mont later as we got to the bottom, greeting
with the sight of a long, empty hallway. About halfway down on the right side was a door with a sign marking it as a stairwell, but that observation was secondary to what I saw at the end of the hallway, and I felt myself let out a breath I hadnt realized I was holding.
Logically, I knew it was stupid of
to be scared, but that hadnt stopped the dark whispers inside
from worming their way into my skull about the ergency shield being activated. After all, it had happened once, why couldnt it happen again? What did it matter that this shelter was supposed to be professionally manned? Doesnt personal safety and self-interest always win out in the end? Why would this ti be any different?
But to my relief, all I saw was a set of large tal doors. A touch screen panel glowed with faint blue light next to them, and I felt my pace quicken as the urgency Id been fighting finally broke through. Brian and I ended up all but jogging to the panel, my gait an odd, shambling thing as I tried not to put too much weight on my wounded leg. We reached the panel, and I let out a shaky breath as I saw the button labeled call on it. Quickly, I released Brians hand and pressed the button, noting how my own were shaking.
The sentence Please wait while security assesses the situation appeared on the screen, and I felt the impatience rising inside . I glanced behind , looking at the long stairway leading up. Even though I knew it was ridiculous to worry about, I couldnt shake the fear that an Anathema could co barreling down the stairs at any second. I bit my lip, wondering how long it was going to take before sobody-
Were opening the doors now! a womans voice suddenly said, and I jumped in surprise as my head snapped back to the panel. Instead of seeing a visual, only the words Door is opening, please stand back! were displayed.
The sound of whirring chanics and gears suddenly resounded, and I stumbled back as the doors slowly began to slide open. It seed to move at a glacial pace, slowly revealing a large, empty room of smooth white tile with another set of doors across from us. Relatively bright, uncolored lights illuminated the room, and I found myself squinting as my eye adjusted. Once the doors had slid open enough, I gave Brians back a gentle push to slide through the still expanding gap. Only once he was through did I follow.
Once we were a few steps into the room, the grinding gears behind us stopped for a mont, then began again. I looked back to see the door now closing itself, and I watched the ominous red hallway with bloody footprints slowly disappear behind solid tal. The doors finished closing, and I let out a sigh.
A deep buzz suddenly went off, making
jump and raise my ice axe slightly.
Please wait, a synthetic voice echoed in the room. Scanning in progress. Interior doors will open montarily.
I frowned, but said nothing.
Scanning? I asked Selene.
[So Anathema can disguise themselves as humans, and shelter airlocks are all equipped with scanners just in case. This early in an Usurpation, however, it is unlikely one would appear.]
I carefully tried not to react as realization dawned on . Id heard stories of Anathema disguising themselves as humans, but Id mostly discounted it as internet horror stories. Now that I knew that wasnt the case, I had a dozen questions on what other things Id heard of that might be true. That could wait until later, however, and I ntally filed the information away.
What would they do if one was detected?
[For normal shelters, a special gas containing silverite filings would be released and effectively lt the Anathema. Because this is a ga shelter, the sa thing would happen but would also be followed with the deploynt of two 20 milliter Gatling turrets from the ceiling.]
I blinked in surprise, but forced myself not to look up at the ceiling. I knew they would be watching us through caras, so I kept myself looking forward. Brian shifted uncomfortably next to . I squeezed his hand, hoping it ca across as reassuring while we waited.
The seconds began to stretch into minutes, and as I glanced around, I noticed how stark the scarlet footprints Id tracked in were on the otherwise white room. Reflexively, I flicked my gaze to the lower left of my vision, only to rember my HUD and therefore health were disabled. Even though Selene hadnt seed concerned, I was still slightly worried about how much blood I was tracking around.
Scanning complete, the synthetic voice finally called out after almost five minutes. Interior doors opening.
As the doors began to slide open, I felt myself holding my breath. A nervous flutter went through my stomach, and I carefully made my expression empty as the tension inside
ratcheted up to eleven. With a familiar thodicalness, I began folding up that anxiety into a small, manageable box as I prepared myself to interact with people once again.
It was weird that I didnt have that sa serrated anxiety when dealing with Brian, but maybe that was because of how much younger he was. Now, though, at the thought of dealing with a bunch of strangers, it was back in full force. The familiar, bile-tinged barbs swirled in my stomach like they always did when I knew I would be forced to interact with people, and I was ready for the wave of light nausea that washed over . A mont later, I had it under control and pushed to the back of my mind as I shifted to simply focusing on observing and making ntal notes.
The doors had opened far enough that one of us could have squeezed through solo, but this ti I simply waited. Brian seed fine waiting with
as well, and I instead carefully looked on as the room beyond was revealed.
It was another room made of the sa clean white tiles, but this one was slightly circular. Across from us were three separate hallways that seed to stretch on a good while. Other than the hallways, the only real thing of note in the room was the people inside.
My eyes were instantly drawn to the four of them wearing matching uniforms and holstered guns. They wore the ultramarine blue clothes and black bulletproof vests of Arcadian police officers, and I felt myself tense in recognition. My eyes flicked to the last person in the room, a middle-aged man in a suit and a shaved head. His eyes were wide as he looked at us, and he was a good step behind one of the others.
The only other thing I saw was one of the officers, a young Korean woman, had a wheelchair in front of her. She had silky onyx hair that fell to the middle of her neck, and a soft face with warm hazel eyes. The second she saw , she gave
a gentle smile. She started walking forward, pushing the wheelchair with her. An older looking officer with salt-and-pepper hair glanced at her as she began to move, his lips twitching in what might have been the start of a smile. Then he followed, and the rest of the officers were right behind him.
Hey there, The Korean officer said softly, giving
a gentle smile as she pushed the wheelchair into the airlock room. Im Officer Oh with the Arcadian police departnts second division. Its nice to et the two of you. How about we get you sitting down? That cut looks pretty nasty.
Even though she was speaking to
with extra softness, it didnt co across as condescending. Instead, it held a genuine warmth, and a kindness mingled with worry I hadnt heard before. The combination took
off guard, and I wasnt sure how to respond. I glanced at Brian, and saw he was looking at the officers with a relieved smile.
I turned back to the woman and gave her a nod, moving to sit down in the chair. Then I rembered my backpack, and I awkwardly started taking it off, being extra careful not to jostle its contents too much while juggling the ice axe in my hand.
If it's alright with you, one of us can hold onto that axe, she said, her voice quiet. I know it might be hard to believe after what you must have been through, but youre safe now. I promise.
I looked up at her in surprise. I had expected a more hardline approach to handing over the ice axe, not what seed to be a genuine suggestion. More than that, the complete assurance in her voice that she was absolutely convinced I was safe made
want to reflexively push back, to tell her I wasnt.
But I am now, arent I?
I realized I must have been staring, and I gave myself a small ntal shake. Officer Oh just gave
a slow nod, holding out her hand. Carefully, I reached out and handed her the axe. With both hands free and a little more shuffling, I managed to get my backpack off. I clutched it in front of , letting it rest in my lap as I turned and sat down in the wheelchair. Oh handed the axe off to another officer, who gingerly took it while eying up the black ichor covering it dubiously.
And what about you? Oh asked Brian. Are you hurt at all?
No, Brian gave a vigorous shake of his head. She kept
safe.
Im sure she did, Oh murmured, voice trailing off. Then she gave herself a shake, and looked down at . Lets get you to the infirmary, shall we? Or do you want to stick together with ah, I never asked your nas, did I?
Um. Im Mai, and thats Brian, I replied, glancing at him. He hes been through a lot. He got separated from his family, so Im not really sure what would be best.
Sothing like surprise flickered through her eyes at that, but it was quickly replaced by the gentleness from before. Next to her, the older officer simply gave a nod.
Why dont we get him to the barracks? he grunted, waving at another officer, this one a woman with the glittering bright viridian eyes of a manaborn. Milly, you mind watching over him?
Sure thing, Sarge, she replied, then turned and pointed to the figure in his hand. Hey there, sweetie. Is that a Carmine Crusader figurine? My son loves him. Why dont you tell
about him while we go find a nice place to rest, huh?
Brians eyes went big, and a genuine grin stretched across his face. The woman smiled back and offered her hand to Brian. A second later he was holding it and began talking as they moved into the shelter. With a slight jostle, the wheelchair began moving as we followed. I made sure to hold my backpack tight in my lap, trying my best to unobtrusively glance around to keep an eye on everyone.
Markus, Im going to get her stitched and cleaned up, Oh said, turning the wheelchair to go down a different hallway from the one Brian was heading. To my side, I saw the man in the suit frown severely.
Now wait just a minute, he said, his voice severe. We havent heard back in almost twenty minutes, and if she knows anything-
Maybe so food too, Oh interrupted, sounding almost thoughtful. Sothing warm, maybe.
The older officer who must have been Markus simply gave a grunt and vague handwave of affirmation while the businessman sputtered and turned to him. Oh kept pushing
forward, and none of the other officers seed inclined to follow as we began down the long hallway.
There were plenty of doors, and so of them had small card readers with keypads next to them. Operations, Communications, Cara Room, Storage, and a few other labeled rooms went by before we turned into one that had its door wide open. Inside, there were various beds with curtain partitions lining the sides of the room. Small tables and various dical machines were stationed next to each bed, and at the far end of the room was what looked like a door with a keypad. The officer rolled us up to one of the beds in the middle of the room seemingly at random.
Alright, Oh said, turning to look at . After a mont, she went to the curtains and drew them closed around us. I felt myself stiffen slightly when she turned back to
with a serious expression on her face. I know you must have been through a lot, and you dont have to talk about it if you dont want to. All I need to know is where youre hurt, okay?
I blinked in surprise, but gave her a nod. Just my leg and so bruises. Nothing else.
She raised an eyebrow but didnt say anything. Reaching over to the bedside table, she pulled on so disposable gloves from a box. Then she walked over and kneeled down as she started inspecting the cut on my leg. Her fingers reached out to it, then she stopped and looked up at , as if asking for permission. I nodded, and she started carefully touching it and moving the rip in my tights around to get a better look at the wound itself.
[Dont forget to act like you are in pain,] Selene told . [While they might assu you are in shock or running on adrenaline, it would be better to hide the fact you have already taken pain dication.]
I flinched and sucked in a breath through my teeth at her next touch. She winced and started moving more gently. Keeping careful watch of her movents, I clenched my teeth and twitched at her prodding, slowly squeezing my backpack tighter. After another few monts she let out a sigh.
Well, it looksbad enough to require so staples, she said with an apologetic look up at . Let
go get you so pain dicine and the rest of the tools. Ill be right back, alright?
I nodded, and she got up and left, pushing through the curtain and disappearing. Listening to her footsteps, I waited until I heard her reach the far end of the room. A second later, there was a beep and the click of a door unlocking. After I heard her open the door and close, I shifted slightly in the wheelchair.
What should I do about the pain dicine? I thought to Selene. Will it interfere with what Ive already taken?
[You may take it if you wish. The ergency pain-relief dicine you took lasts for four hours and works through a different thodology and combination of chemicals. Whatever they might give you will only help, and I would recomnd taking it.]
Okay but why arent they asking
anything? Theyre treating
so-
Before I could continue, I heard the door open and wheels squeaking along the floor. A mont later, the curtain was pushed aside, and Officer Oh entered with a small tal cart with various bottles and other objects on it. She gave
a lopsided smile as she grabbed so scissors.
Sorry, but Im going to cut up your tights. Not that theyre really salvageable anyway.
She went to work opening up a larger hole to get access to my wound. After that, she grabbed a bottle of disinfectant and a cloth.
This is going to sting a little, Oh said, and I gave a nod before she went to work cleaning the area around my cut.
[Ask her why there isnt a doctor doing this,] Selene suddenly said as I practiced wincing at pain I couldnt even feel. Curiosity stirred inside
at why Selene was asking, but I decided to follow her lead.
Um I started. I dont an to be rude but shouldnt a doctor be doing this?
Oh looked up at
with sothing glittering in her eyes.
What, am I not good enough for you?
No, its just- I started hurriedly, but she let out a little laugh. I felt my cheeks warm slightly.
Kidding, Im kidding, she chuckled. To answer your question, yes, a doctor should be doing this. Just like a doctor should be stationed at this shelter. Unfortunately, whoever was supposed to be here today didnt show up. So youre stuck with little ol
instead.
Sorry, I quickly replied, looking down. I didnt an to sound ungrateful, maam.
She stopped cleaning my cut for a mont and looked up at , almost curiously. I kept my eyes firmly planted down as my heart rate picked up slightly. A mont later she gave
a soft smile.
No offense, taken, she said. Then she gave
a big grin. And dont call
maam. Makes
feel too old. Oh is fine, or even Ji-woo. Oh can sound a little weird with how much its used in English. And you cant even begin to imagine the jokes the guys at the station give . Oh no, look who it is, and so on.
A choked giggle managed to escape , and I felt my face heating up more. Ji-woo only smiled wider in response.
Oh boy, Oh geez, Oh great, she went on as she continued cleaning my cut. And then theres the people who dont even do it on purpose. Those are almost worse because Im constantly looking around every ti I hear the word. Honestly, it's enough to make my neck sore by the end of the day.
I gave her a grim smile and a little shrug. I think I have so idea of what you go through.
She looked up at , brows furrowed for a mont, and then her eyes widened. Oh, Mai, I bet you do, dont you? Where were Mai manners, I hadnt even considered that. Mai bad. Mai lord it gets old, doesnt it?
She managed to draw another subdued giggle from , and I nodded. Sothing warm sparkled in her eyes as she looked
over, and she let out a sigh.
Alright. Well, Ive got so topical anesthetic Im going to apply, then we can do the staples. I double-checked the instruction manual, and these staples are fine in water, so we can get you cleaned up properly afterwards without too much hassle.
I dipped my head in assent, the smile slipping from my face as she opened a bottle and used a q-tip to start putting gel over my cut. I bit down on my teeth again, squinting my eyes slightly as I tensed my muscles. Ji-woo glanced up at
after she finished, and she seed to hesitate for a second.
I dont an to pry, she said. But you have so blood sared on your cheek under your eyepatch. I know you said you didnt have anything else besides so bruises
She trailed off, and I blinked.
Oh, umm no, the patch is just I shrugged, and after a second of indecisiveness, just decided to lift it. The brightness of the room made
blink a few tis, and my HUD popping up into view was almost as distracting.
Heterochromia? she asked in surprise, and I nodded. Ah, I think I get it. Probably makes people stare, especially with the bright eye colors manaborn have.
The eyepatch is almost as bad, I murmured. But at least they usually leave
alone because it looks dical.
People, Ji-woo said emphatically, shaking her head. Sorry you have to go through that. I think your eyes look really pretty, though, so dont assu for a second that people think they look bad. Most people are probably just jealous of how stunning it makes you look.
I felt myself blush, and I murmured a half-hearted thanks. She just gave
a sad smile in response and then slowly poked at my wound again.
Feel anything?
Not really.
Good, she said, picking up sothing vaguely gun shaped but plastic with a large lever. Now Ive done so ergency aid courses, but Im no professional so youll want to get this looked at as soon as the Usurpations over. Well get you all set up with so paperwork before you leave thatll make getting these removed and any other care free.
I nodded, not that I was too worried. Calling the healthcare policy of Arcadia and her six sister islands generous would be an understatent at best, and generally any injuries caused during an Usurpation were completely covered. She started carefully pushing the skin together around the gash, and now that I didnt have to watch to make the proper reactions, I looked away. A second later there was a weird clicking sound.
Will it scar? I asked absently, eye wandering around the folds of the curtain.
Almost certainly, Ji-woo responded with a wince. But with the paperwork Im going to draw up, Im pretty sure theyll give you that special anti-scarring treatnt or at least remove the scar afterward with so of the Zenith tech they have.
I looked at her in surprise. Except for what the Zenith had first gifted humanity along with the islands and the prebuilt sci-fi cities spanning them, any technology from the Zenith would have to be acquired from a Magical Girl. That ant they generally reserved using it because of how rare and therefore expensive it was.
Ji-woo saw my incredulous look and gave
a pained smile.
Its not everyday soone survives an hour in an Usurpation and makes it to a shelter, she said gently. And when they hear you did it while protecting a child, Im pretty sure theyll be pulling out all the stops for you.
Looking at the almost mournful expression on her face, I wasnt sure what to do. Thankfully, she went back to stapling, leaving
with those words to stew over. Before I could really get further than realizing she was probably right, that I was going to be the center of all kinds of attention I did not need, she stood up, evidently finished as she set down the staple gun.
So, you said you also had so bruises? she asked, her voice reserved. Would you feel comfortable showing
where, just so I can make sure it isnt anything more serious?
I felt my breathing hitch in my throat, the blood draining from my face. I was bruised all over my right side, and I couldnt let her-
Its fine if you dont, she said hurriedly, seeming to have seen the reaction on my face. So long as you are sure it is just bruising. Im sure you would be in more pain if it was anything more, but adrenaline and shock afterward can do weird things. I just dont want anything more serious going unnoticed.
Im sure, I said hurriedly, giving a jerky shake of my head. I just fell. Thats all.
Okay, Ji-woo said quietly, pausing for a mont. Well, in that case I have so pain dication here. As long as you dont have any allergies, Im going to give you sothing just a little stronger than over-the-counter pills. If were still here in another four hours, you can co find
for another.
She opened a bottle, shook out a pill, and handed it to . I eyed it for a second before popping it into my mouth, wondering just how long the Usurpation was going to be, anyway. I knew that Usurpations outside of the seven sanctuary cities were usually a lot longer, but in Arcadia I was fairly sure they didnt tend to last longer than seven or eight hours at most. Considering the concentration of Magical Girls and Magical Soldiers on the island, it wasnt surprising they could keep the ti down so easily, though.
So, now that weve gotten through all of that, how about we get you a shower and so clean clothes?
I bobbed my head gratefully. Between the dried sweat and blood, I felt absolutely disgusting. Worse, I was sure I slled just as bad, but my nose had already acclimated to it. Now that I thought about it, Ji-woo had been awfully close to
and hadnt said anything about it. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I started to push myself up out of the wheelchair. To my surprise, my muscles barely responded, and I stumbled slightly.
Woah there, she held out her hands as if to catch . Slowly. Youve been through a lot, and with the adrenaline leaving you, youre going to be feeling pretty weak and exhausted.
Now that she ntioned it, exhaustion was creeping into my muscles and thoughts behind the slowly easing tension. My chest still had that familiar tightness that any amount or hint of social interaction brought, but it was getting hard to outright ignore the fatigue. Still, I couldnt afford to just let my guard down completely, so I gave Ji-woo a shaky smile as I shouldered my backpack.
She gave
one last critical look, then jerked her head in a follow
gesture, pushing through the curtains. I followed after her, and we wound up going down the hall until we reached an intersection with a hall leading to our right. We took the turn, and she turned to look over her shoulder.
The shelter has three basic wings. The left one that we were just in is for administrative and essential services. The middle one is the residential with the various sleeping rooms, common areas, washrooms and such. The one on the right is storage, maintenance, and all the other things that dont really fit with the first two. Generally, we ask that people stay out of the left wing. Now, there might be so people in the halls, and if anyone tries to bother you now or later, just let
know, okay?
Yes maam, I replied reflexively. She looked over her shoulder at
but said nothing as she turned the corner, and I followed.
Sure enough, there were a few people walking through the extra wide hall or otherwise just hanging around. I felt my pulse rise, and then spike dramatically as anyone who saw
stopped whatever they were doing to stare. I turned my attention to the ground, staring down as I hurried after Ji-woo, whose steps seed to have quickened noticeably.
Suddenly, I was all too aware of how awful I looked in that mont. I choked back the anxiety crawling up my throat and just focused on walking as people looked at the sweat soaked, bloody girl in ripped clothes. As we passed, I heard so whispers begin, and I forced myself to try to ignore them. One foot in front of the other, I hurried after Ji-woo, hoping the showers werent that far.
Nevertheless, so of the louder and less considerate peoples whispers ca through.
Holy shit, a survivor? This long into an Usurpation?
Damn, looks like shes been through hell.
Idiot, of course she ca from outside the shelter! How else would she get hurt like that?
No way man, you go ask her how she did it. That officer looks like shes ready to bite my head off.
Man, that girls going to be so ssed up. Hope she has a good therapist.
I heard she saved a boy, too. Theyre keeping him in the fourth barracks, but he has an officer keeping people from crowding him.
Think were going to see her on the news after this, telling her story? They always love getting survivor stories, and I bet shes got one hell of one to tell.
Pfft, she probably just got lucky. That or sacrificed soone to save herself.
Did you see her leg? Damn thats gnarly!
My cheeks began to burn as I tried to ignore the attention. Thankfully, we reached a set of doors a mont later. Ji-woo led
into the one marked for won, and only after we took another turn did I finally look up. It was a fairly simple but long room with sinks along one wall and shower stalls on the other. Each stall was divided by two separate curtains, giving a small changing area separate from the actual shower.
Ji-woo walked down the line of showers for a mont, as if checking to see if any were occupied. When she was satisfied they werent, she turned to
with a lopsided smile.
Sorry about that. People can be real idiots.
I shrugged, and the smile fell from her face.
Well, why dont you go take a shower. Ill get sobody to keep people from wandering into this shower room while I find you so clothes to wear. Theres already towels and soap in the stalls, and Ill bring a trash bag to get rid of your current outfit. I dont think much of it is going to be salvageable, unfortunately.
Ignoring the spike of pain that ca with her assessnt, I bobbed my head in agreent. Then I went into one of the stalls and drew the outer curtain closed. While I set down my backpack on the small bench in the changing alcove, I listened to Ji-woos echoing footsteps as she left, and I let out an internal sigh of relief when I heard her leave.
[If it is alright with you,] Selene spoke. [Perhaps you could remanifest .]
Why? I thought with a frown.
[Even though I have already promised privacy while you adjust to
being within your head, the extra degree of separation might help you feel it more. Id also like to explore the shelter and look into so things after you are finished. Until then, I can keep watch on your backpack.]
Oh alright. I thought about it for a second. Sorry. I know youre not exactly human and dont even care about this kind of thing, but
[But this is all still incredibly new, and it will take ti to adjust how you feel as well as think about our partnership,] Selene finished, her voice soothing. [I assure you, no offense is taken. Besides, being separated when you are not comncing your Magical Girl duties gives
a chance to observe other humans or even interact with other Familiars myself. Many Magical Girls operate the sa way, and it serves as a good way to gather additional information without revealing yourself to others.]
As Selene finished speaking, I felt the familiar sensation of warmth condensing and swirling around in my chest before a tendril reached out to my heart. Bracing myself, I let it touch, and was rewarded with the sa brief flair of heat that left a cold emptiness behind. This ti I was prepared for the wave of fatigue that washed through , but I felt myself let out an involuntary gasp as it piled on top of all my previous exhaustion. I blinked, and in the span of that microsecond, Selene was suddenly sitting on the little bench next to my backpack. She gave
a swish of her tail and then scampered out, underneath the curtain.
[Ill stay out here and only keep an eye on your backpack when Ji-woo returns with your clothes.]
Thanks, I thought back. Then, with a sigh, I began pulling off my clothes.
To my horror, it was more of an exercise in peeling them off. Any hope of salvaging them went out the window, and I even put the replacent shirt Id put on into that category. It was painful knowing how much I was going to pay to replace everything. Still, it was better for my peace of mind to know I wouldnt be reusing clothes that had been soaked in alien blood or my own.
The only thing I wouldnt sacrifice was my eyepatch, and maybe my shoes. The eyepatch would go the second I got ho for a replacent, but my shoes I hadnt quite given up on. Replacent school shoes would be almost forty dollars, and I was already looking at almost two hundred to replace the entirety of my outfit. And unless I wanted to try to make one blazer and school skirt work, Id need to replace at least those
I let out a frustrated sigh, and then went to work taking off the bandages wrapped around my left forearm. It didnt take
long, and when I finished, I found myself staring.
Ah. The regenerative gum must have healed this too though it still left another scar
After a mont, I gave a ntal shrug and stuffed the bandages into the sa backpack pocket that had my bloody shirt. If the garbage bag Ji-woo was getting for
was opaque, Id transfer both with the rest of my condemned clothes. Sohow, that made
feel better about the possibility of sobody looking through my backpack even though I still had a gun in there.
I turned on the shower, and waited for the water to heat up. Glancing around, I noted the locations of the small washcloth and soap dispensers in the shower, as well as the towels hanging in the changing room while I waited. After I was sure the water was just short of burning , I stepped in and closed the curtain behind . The water splashed over
and
It was heavenly.
For a while, I just let myself enjoy it, the heat lting the tension out of . Showers had always been my own personal sanctuary, a place where I could just be without worry. The warmth of the water, the pitter-patter of the droplets washing out any sound, the reassuring solitude like I was in my own little world all of it let
just stop worrying for a mont, and I cherished the serenity while it lasted.
Eventually, my mind wandered to the events of the past hour, and I found myself shaking my head. An hour. It felt like I had been out there for so much longer than that. Every mont of sneaking, planning and fighting, every second a struggle against the fear screaming at the back of my mind
Sothing bubbled deep in my chest, and I furiously pushed it down. This was not the ti to be breaking down. Not when I wasnt truly alone.
I grabbed at the washcloth and put myself to work scrubbing. My skin was caked with dried blood starting at my stomach and covering most of my lower half. I made sure to take my ti, applying vigorous amounts of soap as I went. It was a little worrying watching the water pooling on the shower floor changing color as I went. I tried my best to ignore it, and just focus on scraping my skin clean.
Which ended up taking ti. A lot of ti. Eventually it beca hard to tell if my skin was still slightly stained red from the blood or just from scrubbing it raw.
[Ji-woois coming in with a very large bag,] Selene told
just as I had finished with my stomach and sat down to clean off the blood on my right calf.
Hey Mai, its , Ji-woo called out a mont later. I got a bunch of clothes for you to choose from because I wasnt really sure what might fit. Im just going to pop in for a second to set these down if thats okay.
Alright, I called back, huddling into myself slightly as I watched the curtain.
I heard the outer one open and after a handful of seconds, it closed again.
There, she said. Theres an extra bag in there for your dirty ones. Ill be waiting outside for you, but feel free to take your ti.
Okay Thank you, I replied, quickly adding the last part.
All in a days work, she called back, and I could practically hear the wry grin on her face.
I listened to her leave, then let myself unfurl and continue scouring away the filth.
By the ti I was finished, I was starting to get wrinkled. Worse, the exhaustion had set in fully, giving my body all the strength of jelly and mind all the clarity of cotton. It was all I could do to remain standing without swaying back and forth. Although my muscles werent aching, my legs felt dangerously wobbly. Worse, I could feel my eyes threatening to just stay closed after every blink.
With a sigh, I redid my hair and body with soap one last ti before I turned off the shower, stepped out, and started drying myself. The bag sitting next to my backpack was a large black trash bag, and judging by its size, it was absolutely filled with clothes. I unwrapped it to find a small mountain, and started picking through my selection. I could tell at a glance most of the clothes were too big for , which wasnt a surprise considering I frequented the kids section to find things properly my, ah, prestigious size. Thankfully I didnt have to worry about trying to coordinate any sort of outfit because all the clothes were shades of gray and of the casual wear variety.
It took
a while to find things my size, but I ended up with so comfy sweatpants and a hoodie over a long sleeve shirt. I had to roll up the sleeves and pant legs a little, but the baggy, too long sleeves of the hoodie I left alone to drape over my hands. There was also a pair of slippers in the bag that I put on and found to be of serviceable size. Finally, I pulled on my eyepatch almost as an afterthought.
With that sorted, I unfurled the extra black trash bag I had found with the clothes. A mont later I had all my bloody clothes wrapped up including the shirt and bandages from my backpack. I thought about it for a mont, then decided to store my shoes in their place. I shouldered the pack afterward, then frowned as I held the closed bag of dirty clothes. I looked from the bag of extra clothes to the used towels, wondering how I was supposed to carry it all.
After a mont of hesitation, I decided to just ask Ji-woo what to do, and I left the shower stall.
Selene stood on a sink, and her head tilted to the side as she took in my appearance. Seeing myself in the mirror, I was slightly surprised at how different I looked. In the oversized clothes, I sohow looked even younger, like a little girl who was wearing their parents clothes.
[Ji-woo didnt so much as give your backpack a second glance when she put your clothes inside,] Selene noted cheerfully. [Now, if you would be okay with the idea, Id like to take a look around the shelter. I wont move out of telepathy range, and you can call
back before you go to sleep to continue guarding you.]
I gave Selene a grateful nod, then headed outside.
To my surprise, there was barely anybody in the hallway. Maybe it had sothing to do with the way Ji-woo was leaning against the wall, scowling at the various doors. The second she noticed , her expression changed back to a smile. From underneath her arm, she pulled out a folded blanket, and with a deft motion, unfurled it and draped it around my shoulders.
Here, she said, gently taking the trash bag from . Ill trade you.
Um I started, shifting my backpack to hold in front of
along with the blankets sides. What should I do about the towels and clothes?
Dont worry about it, she said, adjusting the blanket about . Ill take care of it later. Lets get you settled down for now.
She started walking and I followed, pulling the blanket tighter around
while I cradled my backpack with my arms. A few people wandered the halls or else happened to be leaving one room for another, and they almost all stopped to stare. I turned my eyes to stare at the floor, and was slightly surprised when we took a hallway turn to the right.
Um, isnt this-
The admin wing, yeah, Ji-woo interrupted with a shrug. I got permission to set you up in the guard barracks. I figured that way you might get so privacy to rest. Unless you wanted to be with Brian?
No, thats thats okay, I said, trying to hide the relief in my voice. Im not really sure how to handle kids anyway.
Well, you seed to do a good job, she said softly, suddenly serious as she turned to look
in the eye. I know it must have been tough but you managed. And thats more than most people could have done alone.
The intensity behind her words made
uncomfortable, so I just gave a little shrug and looked back to the floor. She turned away a mont later and continued walking.
We turned into another room after another minute of walking. It was fairly empty, but along either side were beds built into the walls, turning them into little alcoves with curtains that could be drawn across them. At the far end was what looked like a small kitchen where I saw one of the other officers standing in front of a stove. He had a young looking face with freckles and sandy blond hair. He gave
a smile and nod, before turning to Ji-woo.
Should be ready to go, he said, turning off one of the burners. Kept them both warm but not too hot.
Thanks, Marco, Ji-woo responded, giving him a grateful smile. Ah, Mai, go ahead and get settled on a bunk. Ill be right with you.
She walked over to the oven, and I considered my options before heading to a bunk in the middle of the room, far enough away that I wouldnt be bothered by anyone entering or next to people in the kitchen area. I pushed my backpack into the far corner of the bunk next to the pillow, shuffled the blanket around
a little tighter, then sat down. I was surprised to find how soft the mattress felt.
I looked up as the officer left, and he gave
a little nod as he passed. Ji-woo was right behind him holding a bowl with steam coming off it and a spoon. She gave
a small smile and reached to the wall next to the bunk, giving it a gentle push. A rectangular section popped out, and she pulled it out before flipping it horizontal, turning it into a small bedside table.
Here, she said, setting down the bowl. I wasnt sure if you would be hungry, so I just made so tomato soup. Unless you want sothing else?
No, I blinked in surprise. No, that's good. Thank you.
I grabbed the bowl and spoon quickly. Considering I had only eaten an hour ago, and it had been a big al, I wasnt feeling especially hungry. Between the anxiety, tension, and exhaustion, I wouldnt have normally even thought of eating.
But I also wasnt about to turn down free food.
I blew gently on a spoonful of the red liquid before I started digging in. Ji-woo seed satisfied and went back to the kitchen while I focused on the soup. I couldnt recall ever having it before, but I found myself enjoying its slightly acidic sweetness. The tanginess got to be a little much without anything to break it up, but I could see how pairing it with sothing else could work well.
Once the first spoonful was in , I found myself digging into the bowl with focus. By the ti Ji-woo returned from the kitchen with a coffee cup in her hand, I had already managed to empty the bowl. She blinked in surprise, and I felt my cheeks color. I hadnt thought I was that hungry, either, but once I started
Theres more if youd like seconds, she said, a hint of concern in her voice, and I quickly shook my head.
No, I just kind of got carried away, I winced. Sorry.
She frowned at , setting down the cup. There's nothing to be sorry for. Here, I got you sothing else to help warm you up.
I nodded, and quickly traded the bowl for the cup, but didnt imdiately drink from it. She gave
a worried smile, and after looking around a mont, sat down next to
on the other end of the bunk.
We sat in silence for a while, and I gave the dark liquid in the cup a few gentle blows. The sll coming from it was rich and dark, and although it tickled at my mory, I couldnt quite place it.
So, Ji-woo said quietly. Youve been through a lot. I take it from the uniform you were wearing youre in high school?
I glanced at her, then dipped my head in affirmation. I could feel myself beginning to tense up at where her questioning might be going.
Well. After all this is over, theres going to be a lot of people who want to talk to you, get your story and that sort of thing. They wont be particularly gentle about how or what they ask about, because they wont really understand that youve been through an ordeal. Sure, they might actually care about you, but for a lot of them the story will be the important part. Its unfortunate, but thats just how it is.
She leaned back slightly on the bunk, letting out a long sigh.
It's not completely peoples fault, she shrugged. I an, except for Magical Girls and the Magical Soldiers of the Guardians Association, normal people dont stand a fair chance against Anathema. Which ans when sobody does beat them, or at least survives them, they see it as a big deal. Sothing to be celebrated and shared, to spread the hope around. So when word gets out about a high school girl saving a grade school boy and getting him to a shelter, it's going to be a big deal. And when they hear you were injured but also had an ice axe with Anathema blood on it
Ji-woo trailed off and I glanced at her. She was looking down at the floor, a dark expression on her face. She stared for a mont, then shook her head and reached into one of her vests pockets. Retrieving a card, she showed it to
before reaching over and setting it down on the table.
Thats my card, Ji-woo smiled at , her voice quiet and impossible soft. If any of them bother you, or you just want to talk to soone, or anything, really, feel free to give
a call. Any ti, any day. Even if all you want is to say hi and chat about the weather.
My chest suddenly felt tight as a dozen emotions suddenly burst forth and started swirling inside . I could hear my pulse pounding in my ears as sothing caught in the back of my throat.
Why? Why is she treating
so nicely? She doesnt even know
Why isnt she asking about what happened? Isnt she supposed to be finding out how bad the Usurpation is? Whats out there? Isnt that her job? I dont understand
The whirlwind in my chest refused to settle, so I just gave her a nod and raised the cup to my lips to take a sip and hopefully hide my turmoil.
Anyway, she patted her kneecaps, her eyes glittering as her voice beca thick with emotion. I just want to let you know, you did sothing amazing. Even if it doesnt feel like it, you did, because you saved a life. Beyond all the scary mories, I hope that you can be proud of yourself, because you deserve at least that much, and much more for what youve been through.
The words Id never heard before hit
right as I tasted the hot chocolate in the cup.
The warm, comforting bliss of the beverage Id only had for real once before.
When my only friend had brought
to her house and made
feel welco.
I managed to swallow the sip, and take in a deep, shuddering breath as my exhaustion, tension, anxiety, and emotions all rolled into one and peaked.
Then sothing in
cracked, and I burst into tears.
Reviews
All reviews (0)