RAINING SECONDS

[BenigniTY]

I had realized my eyes were closed for the past five minutes. It didn't matter, the darkness was the same no matter what. I was sick of being under ground, even though i had more than enough air. Using another spiral of air, I dig upwards, eventually reaching the surface. I breath in a lungful of fresh air, a meaningless gesture, but it was nice to not be the one making the air.

I looked to my left, and saw the bustling concrete and steel city, in all of it's former glory: streets were run down, there was graffiti everywhere, and people had deserted the streets. Of course, I found myself looking upon the worst bit of town, but it was still a nasty reminder of what would come.

Flipping my hood over my head, I stroll nonchalantly to the city of Dreherica, not pausing nor looking behind me. I knew my destination well, as it was my refuge all up until I foolishly allowed myself to be captured. I had learned well from this, and my goal was successful, even though it had the slight chance of my death. I smiled grimly as I entered the warehouse, the old lights flickering to life. It was far from a home, but it was safe. The most boring of all the warehouses, it was skipped when people viewed the area. Even the workers in this area were slowly forgetting it's presence.

Which was why it was perfect.

[Demorae]

Diana had broken off in a fluent sprint toward the gate, using her given keycard to grant her access through without restrictions. She ignored the befuddled guards; some had even shouted in stern voices, "Hey!" "Hey!" "Where are you going?" Unable to spare even the slightest breath to answer, she continued off, having her mind set upon a more defined destination. If Capricorn's life were to revolve around the element of air, he should be attached to any place where the city is less concentrated; where the wind had freedom.

Diana arrived within the vicinity of vast greenery - for a floating utopia in the sky. The terrace couldn't flawlessly replicate the earth's true beauty, but the landscape did hold a recognizable resemblance to the pavilions it influenced. Although, Diana recalled there to be a lake that marked the center of the park, not an empty trench. The greenery surrounding the pavilion was completely untouched, but the former 'lake' was nothing but a vast ditch. Diana walked up to its edge, her toes hanging off the stone margins to peer down. Knitting her eyebrows in utter confusion, she failed to find any relevance between the known evidence of Capricorn and the empty ditch. What was the purpose of this? Could he have done this? Clearly, Diana had been thinking too hard on the matter. For what reason would he have to empty out such a mass body of water like that?

Diana took warring steps back, getting a start off in the opposite direction, reminding herself to return here later to investigate whatever odd entity caused this. But one thing made her pause and prioritize. A small school of five fish flopped about in the moist mud, their fins flapping frantically as they struggled to breathe. That means, the water drainage hadn't happened any more than five minutes ago. Now in great suspicion, Diana skid down the steep slope of the inner lake to stop at its deepest point. But, when arriving at the point, a small burrow was left behind. With a frown, Diana growled beneath her breath, climbing out of the ditch with frustration and rage.

Diana unsheathed a metallic foot-long rod from her belt, unleashing an electric chain that was dispensed from the fore-end, surging with sparking energy. "That damned Capricorn thinks he can outstrip me? He thinks he can just evade death by running away? Well, he is going to get what's comin' to him."

[Karazura]

Alexander suddenly had an beautiful idea since his mean of escape from Dreherica was most likely found and sealed. He focused his energy, and used the earth as a launcher, flinging him towards an airship heading toward Dreherica. He was near it when he shaped the metal of the hull in a way that allowed him to grab on and enter the airship. When he was inside he grinned and laughed quietly, he was in an military armament transport, and he was inside the cargo hold. He looked through the guns and blades, exhilarated to see such a vast selection to steal from. He would be ready to protect himself on his way to knowledge of the reason time has stopped for almost everyone. He picked out a, exquisite katana and a marvelous pistol, a large step forward compared to what he currently had. He heard movement, and shaped the metal flooring so that he could hide.

[BenigniTY]

I sit in a chair I had brought in a while ago, propping my legs up on a desk. With a contended sigh, I turn on the telly, watching the latest news and updates.

"Fire devastates parts of the city due to frequent riot outbreaks..."

I change the channel.

"Apparently we have news that one Astrowalker has been found..."

I bolt into an upright position, fearing it was me.

"...he has been deemed exceedingly violent, and a danger to all. Delivery of this Astrowalker to any government official will be greatly rewarded and honored."

A picture of my face, along with my age and name, were presented along with the report. In disgust, I throw the telly across the room, my plans of secrecy gone. But there was an option, one I hadn't thought of before.

A mask.

It was simple, and blocked out my identity. All I needed was to have one made. Turning my computer on, I searched for a mask maker in Dreherica, and discovered that one was located on the other side of town, and he could make custom masks. With great delight, I began designing a mask...one which would conceal my identity, and become a symbol. A symbol of freedom. A symbol of life. A symbol of the revolution.

[Mellow Melon]

Santiago was walking on the village streets, while he was still thinking about what the captain had said. "More people like me, do they share my power, why were we born, what is this all?" Santiago mumbled to himself. Still, this is something I will not find out anything about until I get myself up to Dreherica, Santi thought. For a while he was looking around to notice any kind of form of travelling up to the biosphere. Nothing catched his eye, so Santiago kept walking on.

As he was getting closer to the outskirts of the village, he saw something that made him smile again. It was a quite a big airship, flying low near to the ground, as if it was going to land to the field next to the village. Santiago had no idea of what kind of ship this was, but still the flag on the deck somewhat told him that it was military airship. This was Santi's chance of getting where he wanted to go, so why not, he thought. It was probably a bad idea, very bad actually, especially if it really was a military ship. It was risk that had to be taken.

Santiago started running as fast as he could towards the field. When he got there, he noticed that the airship was already landed and that few groups of armed people were running to the village. So he was right about it being a military ship. "Darned." Santiago cursed. It really would not be that easy of getting in unnoticed. He quickly rushed next to the ship and looked around to make sure that no soldiers were patrolling around it. It seemed that only smart way of getting in was using the same ramp the soldiers were using to get out. Santiago sneaked to the ramp and to the high end of it, peeping over the board he made sure that no one was on the deck. For his luck there was nobody around. Santiago made his way to the deck and was eyeing it around to find the best place to hide in. The deck was absolutely a no go, so he went for a door that was close to him. It seemed to lead down to the cargo hold. Santi couldn't but to think of the long trip inside the small ships cargo room, where he had to stay the whole journey coming here. "I guess it'll do, again." Santiago was thinking.

He cracked a grinny smile when he entered the actual cargo hold. With a sarcastic voice he said almost whispering. "Very nice." Santiago did not see anything but medium and large cargo boxes, which seemed to hold weapons inside. He did not even bother to take any, as he thought if it comes to that, guns and blades won't save him. Using his power Santiago moved couple of the boxes into far corner of the hold and went behind them. These would provide him a good enough of a hiding place, until the ship would reach Dreherica.

Although he was a step closer to his destination, Santiago felt weird. It had something to do with the airship, maybe it was because he never had flied before. Still, it was strange, almost like an aura of something, or someone.

[Demorae]

Reminding herself not to wreak havoc too soon, Diana sheathed her weapon to rush directly to the lot, where she mounted a Hitlerite's nitrobike. Since she was in a hurry and she was well-licensed to drive one, Diana didn't hesitate to speed off. Her lightning speed sent out a search signal, which notified reinforcements of her current location. She speed-drifted around intersections and corners, as if she knew the particular destination she would reach. And indeed, she does. "Unit twenty-seven, do you read?"

Static faded once a voice replaced it, "Yes, you are within sight."

"Good. I need you to seize all exporting airships. Secure the Dreherican border, and allow no one to leave Dreherica. A refugee is out there, and if you can stop him before I do, you'll receive the next set bounty. If anyone tries to escape, kill them. If anyone get's in your way, leave them to me."

"Understood."

Diana had been keen with words, clarifying that any rebel who distracted the soldiers would be killed personally by her - precisely because she knew that every rebel feared the Hitler Rod, except Capricorn. When the final word was announced dutifully through the speaker, a demonic roar of fiery engines entailed that the Hitlerites had disbanded not far behind her. Their immediate cooperation put Diana in a better mood; when you mention money and rewards, those soldiers wouldn't hesitate to lend you an ear. They were very well familiar with the format of the city streets, and with advanced vehicles, they had probably transported themselves directly to their designated locations to stop all airships from leaving port. All flights and departures were instantly cancelled by command of the Army, and all are forced to evacuate if they want to live.

She took a detour through the city to arrive at the Dreyk Port, where the last military cargo ship was hastily docking. Diana had met up with the first soldier she saw, which had the voice of the man whom she had given orders to over the intercom. "Lieutenant Bannon, have the Hitlerites inspected the port?" Though she had expected the right answer, Diana had asked anyway.

"Done, and done, Raelyn. However, the final airship is currently docking in. Don't worry, the gates of the biosphere has been sealed; nothing should enter, nor leave." Diana turned her gaze toward the forcefield gates, watching as the Paramount came gliding up to the landing platform.

[BenigniTY]

I watch the news some more, hoping to find the whereabouts of Diana, so I know if to prepare for her just yet. Instead, I heard news much to my surprise-they shut down all exits out of Dreherica. They though I was actually going to leave? NO! This is my city, and I'm going to change it. The mask came in, as I had ordered it a few hours ago. It was better than I had hoped, made of bullet proof plastic (Hey, it's the year 3000), I would not break under anything. It was a solid, clean white, with golden trimmings around the eyes. Also in gold was an outline of a goat's head on the front, making a gleaming image when the sunlight hit it. It was obvious, and it didn't matter now that everyone watching the news knew who I am. Tilting it to the side, I saw words cared into the mask, on either side, in a solid gold: "Life".

Yes. I approved of it, and I was certain that it's image would become infamous within the ranks of the government.

[Azreal2]

Ari sat by a river. She was in one of her dreamlike states. Her grey eyes were glassy and distant. She was unfocused from the real world. She took slow deep breaths almost as if she was asleep. She was in deep in thought about the government collecting the astrowalkers. The other eleven like her. She was interested in what they were like. She was disturbed a little to late when a pair of hands wrapped around her mouth and eyes. It seemed to be a man. He warned her. "Go to Dreherica. It is too dangerous here. " The man suddenly threw he towards the water and disappeared.

Ari rolled over in the water. She stood up and took all the water out of her clothes until she was dry. She started looking for the man but couldn't find him. She irrationally decided to listen to him. She didn't know of any smart ways to get into the city. It was much too difficult for her. She needed to get into the city. She ran to her house and scribbled down a note to her family. She hoped they would come home soon but not too soon so she could leave.

I am going to Dreherica, for reasons I do not even know. Don't worry about me, I will be fine. Don't come after me either. It would be too dangerous. I need to find more like me. Remember what I am. I am far too dangerous to be around you. -Ari

She placed it on the table and ran to get a knapsack to pack her stuff in. She packed all of her supplies and walked out the house. She made her way towards Dreherica. Her stomach was in knots. She brushed her auburn hair away, her eyes looking like steal. The ship traveled slow so she sat in her own little world for hours.

She reached Dreherica in her dream-like state. She climbed out of the craft and set off in the city. She marveled at the big city. It was so unlike her own small village. She now felt small and unimportant. But she would never be unimportant, she was an astrowalker. She kept her hair down to hide her marking of Pisces. It was placed on her the back of her neck. She felt agitated because it was so hot out. She scanned the city and wandered wherever. She felt lost and confused so she sat down in a seat trying to recognized anything that could be familiar.

Ari did notice people who seemed to try and leave couldn't. She was curious so she followed some people who were talking about the exits being closed. She felt uneasy. She really couldn't leave now. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. This wasn't going to be pleasant in the future, she thought to herself.

[BenigniTY]

I slowly put the mask on, finding it fit very nicely. The thin panels of glass over the eyes lighted up, allowing me to see but anyone looking at me would only see glowing golden eyes.I smile, hidden behind my new appearance, and step outside of the warehouse, ready to take to the skies.

As I lift up into the air, i scan nearby buildings in a small hope that another Astrowalker was nearby. Of course, none were. But it is alright. I have time.


I hope.

---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 PM ----------

(sorry, experimenting with different colors)

[Demorae]

Without another word, Diana sped off to the side, and skid the nitrobike to a parallel park beside the curb. Lieutenant Bannon had returned to exchanging orders and observations with the rest of the Hitlerites, each with a rod in their grasp and at least one other still in a firm belt holster. She had dismounted the vehicle, sauntering in their direction, only to revert past them. Diana approached the edge of the walkway, to descend the stairs down onto the main dock to take a look at the Paramount, which had just so recently arrived.

The Paramount was a massive airship that transported cargo, citizens, soldiers, and weapons to and from other functioning locations around the world. About five hundred soldiers boarded and disembarked the ship each day, and about seventy tons worth of weapons were being imported and exported each week. The airship was build with many layers of bulletproof steel armor, with a vast wingspan and monstrous propellers. Its size was more than just intimidating; it was almost two miles in length, and three hundred feet in width, rising up over a hundred stories. It was large enough to be considered the eighth wonder of the world, however, the further existence of the other seven were doubtful.

Diana had reached the boarding ramp, to see soldiers step down from the ship a few at a time. There, at the dock, she awaited the captain to step out the exit.