Unacknowledged
"And I told you a zillionth time to tell me where you're going?"
Solare barked.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"And I have told you a ba-zillionth time that I am going to train."
"Which section? Are you going to enhance your strength or agility—"
"Strength," I said dismissively. Whatever came out first to push her off me.
I waved a hand, dismissing her as I turned around to walk away.
"Skarvek! Skarvek! Skarvek!"
She continued to bark at the empty space I left behind.
What an annoy—
"Roonie, please. You must help me."
I raised an eyebrow as I glanced at the girl whose bright pink hair fell in spiral loops as she clung to a man in a black leather jacket.
"Barrier, I can't. Mrs. Pham would kill me if she knew."
"But please, Roonie. You promised me you'll help me. You owe me double, remember?"
Double? Promise?
What a meaningless conversation.
I dismissed them as well and walked towards the training room designated for speed training.
I pressed my wrist against the scanner, sliding the door open.
My pupils dilated slightly as the tiger girl stood in front of me.
Close.
So close.
What was she doing here?
I glanced down at her lower-half. Of course, training to outrun something that will keep haunting her until she breaks.
Chitter-chatter.
Chitter-chatter.
I glanced around the room, finding two Earth Protectors inside. Running and talking.
One looked oddly familiar…
One on the right, wearing black, was humiliated by Reaver, wasn't she?
That's right.
Despite being almost mutilated, she still barks.
My attention returned to her as she cleared her throat.
Finally, this pest wanted me to acknowledge her.
My attention was brought to her. She stood slightly taller than me.
Unbothered.
As though I wasn't worth acknowledging.
Yet she didn't look at me. Like other muddlings on Earth, she looked away.
But somehow it felt different.
I didn't move.
Nor did she.
Silence settled over us as I stared at her. Trying to find something—anything to grab onto. To use it against her.
Every creature had a breaking point.
I wondered where hers was.
Some begged.
Some fought.
I wondered what hers looked like.
"Y—"
Before I could even form a word, she pushed against my shoulder—harshly—and walked off.
How dare she…
My pupils dilated as I turned to follow her.
She didn't even look back.
Didn't look back to see my reaction. She just…
My jaw tightened.
She walked away as if she had committed the worst sin to Zionalma.
Not bowing down to something superior to her.
Me.
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