"I can't remember what happened at all.. I can't sleep. I want fresh air, well.. As fresh as it can get down here." Mira's eyes slowly slid from the plain white ceiling and over to the door. It was late into the night, Galadriel must be asleep. With a small creak Mira got out of the bed, slipping on her shoes as she headed for the door. Standing in the quiet corridor, her gaze lingered on the door to Galadriel's room. "How is she doing.. Is she asleep?" Yet before she could stay to find out or even answer her own question. She was already heading down the steps leading to the first floor. Her eyes sliding past the countless paintings, the wooden like interior, it felt almost Antique compared to the buildings outside. Treading through darkness, she pushed a door open leading into the backyard. Her eyes searched the sky, she couldn't see the stars, which she so longed for after being here for so long. Only the faintest traces of moonlight could be seen, painting the ground a soft white blueish hue.
Mira slowly slid down, taking the seat on what resembled grass, just slightly more darker in colour. Slowly she slid her hand through it, a sense of relaxation for once after coming down here. Her eyes fell shut, she just wanted to linger on this feeling before it faded, before they had to do something again.
"I can't recall what happened after I fell unconscious.. I can't stop thinking about the mines, that laboratory.. And that person." Her mind was at it again, she couldn't just calm it. But at least it was a distraction from the truth she doesn't want to face. Their words, she could keep running from it, but for how long? It stung down to the very core of her being, hear pounding at the thought. It all felt so taunting. "Just why.. What do you mean by filthy existence.. A stain upon this world.." She chocked out to herself in a breathless whisper. Despite her words, a part of her knew exactly why they meant those words. They knew, knew what she did.. Or perhaps they could tell. "It doesn't matter. Just.. Focus." Mira whispered to herself once more.
With a small huff she pushed herself up, to head back inside. She knew she couldn't stay out here all night. Sliding up the familiar steps, her gaze lingered once more on the door to Galadriel's room. Pushing past it, she slid into her own room and the bed she left. Slipping off her shoes, she laid there. "It helped." Or so she told herself, closing her eyes, to catch at least some sleep.
Here they were again, walking through these streets. It had been a few days since the last time they had met Euthykritos. Those moments of peace didn't last too long. Sliding past the familiar large doors, there he was. Standing, commanding someone else, that piercing look of his. His eyes landed on the girls, he gestured them to head to the all to familiar room, the one they always talked in.
"I can't catch a single thing he is saying.." Mira thought to herself. Euthykritos was pointing along the all to familiar map. Mira looked over at Galadriel, who seemed to be listening intently.
"In short terms, you'll take the route straight there. If they ask questions, just say you're there to escort the shipment trade. Keep why you're there a secret. Make sure to find out what exactly is the point of constructing the laboratory. Our intel team have seen similar people and groups acting about. There have even been strange rumours of most of them having AFE gifted abilities. Oh, right, you don't know what AFE is. " Euthykritos suddenly readhes across the table, picking up a thick book, fingers swiftly moving to open to a page. Euthykritos set the book before the two and continued his explanation. (AFE - After flooding energy, a strange energy source and ability source that had appeared after the world had been flooded by the endless ocean, which many history books point to had happened over a millennia ago. Not everyone can utilise AFE. In fact most people can't, they're hard to obtain and even harder to master. Taking a huge toll on your body, there is no one quick way to mastering them. Not that the world knows of at least. Nor does anyone know how to obtain AFE, there are only rumours. From intense emotions, to having a special connection with the ocean, to extremes like letting the ocean swallow you whole. You can't run out of AFE, so in theory you could use your abilities endlessly, but your body most likely won't be able to keep up, tearing itself apart. Integration should be gradual and mastery usually takes up to a decade or longer. Some say that AFE isn't a power meant to be wielded by us or that AFE is just as bad as the reason for the world flooding. In a sense, their source is the same, is it not? It is also hard to concentrate into a form, once it is formed, it is dense. Usually only even the smallest piece is enough to fuel weapons, items and electronics. AFE is also the reason for the birth of this world as it is, creating an underwater world. It also serves as the birth for countless creatures that now inhabit it. AFE works in strange ways. Any outside visitors who happen to descend down here accident or not, gain the ability to breathe underwater. This is largely due to the concentration of AFE across the globe growing to staggering amounts. It is the only reason why the sunlight reaches so deep and why no one is forced to roam in heavy suits meant for high underwater pressure. There is only one place on the globe that doesn't abide by the rules of AFE and remains a true ocean, needing said suits or vessels to explore. -Lilithium A. P. A renowned scientist.) Galadriel nodded along Euthykritos's words, nudging Mira with her elbow to pay attention. For a short moment, there was a hint of care in Euthykritos's voice, a hint softness in his expression. But that soon faded as he abruptly stood up. "Now head on out of here, you've got a week once you arrive, remember that."
Walking along the streets once more, heading towards what seemed like the sea of this planet, the docks. "So what was it about?" Mira asked without much hesitation in her voice. "Heading to Zalia, that is what it's about." Galadriel respond without much of a wait, but the hint of annoyance in her voice was there. "Pay attention next time, Mira." Galadriel spoke, her voice wasn't as loud as Mira had thought it was going to be. But then again they don't want needless extra stares from the people around them.
With a slow stop, they arrived at the docks, which seemed to stretch further than they had initially thought. In the port, docked was only one ship. It was a mix of wood and metal, it was clear that it had seen better days, but it wasn't all too terrible either. It was relatively big, clearly meant for large transportation of items rather than combat. "Seems that is our ride.." Mira murmured. Heading towards the ship, they could see someone gesturing to them at the base of the big vessel before them. It was a old man, wearing a striped shirt and a dark black leather like jacket over, with light brownish pants. He shared similar scales and pale skin like rest of the people in this city. He seemed rather excited yet serious at the same time. "You two must be the people sent to protect the shipment.. I'm Lysander, owner of this beauty behind me and its captain. Enjoy the trip.. We leave in half an hour, so get accustomed to the ship." He sort of hurried the girls along and up the unsteady ramp which lead to the top deck of the ship.
The ship lightly swayed withing the small waves which crashed against its hull. Mira and Galadriel took their time, gazing out into the endless sea, which will eventually become the ocean. The soft bells rung, as the ship swayed, slowly pushing through. It did have a mast, yet the sails were not lowered. It was a mix of propelled motor and sail. Mira slowly looked over at Galadriel "Hope you're not sea sick.." she softly laughed, nudging Galadriel. Galadriel raised an eyebrow "I'm not." Looking back, the city, the docks, slowly faded into the distance. There was no turning back anymore.