Slums

hapter 1: the beginning of a journey

500 years ago, humanity faced the worst crisis recorded in history. Nearly four billion people had died within 5 months however this was not by chance nor was it due to some natural disaster no this was caused by humans themselves. You see 500 years ago the largest solar flare erupted from the sun the radiation changed humans allowing them to unlock power that they could only dream of. However, like most things’ humans ruined this quickly people began to kill and rob with their new powers and yet after 5 months order would be reinstated as people who would cower in fear were now filled with hope. Five of the strongest powers in the world established a council they would rule the world with an iron fist, but the hope would quickly be loss as everything had returned to normal unless you were deemed a threat to the council. Almost as quickly as they had arrived they had changed society for ever. In present day there are five souls who would wish to change the five hundred years of oppression, and this is their story.

“Geez how are you ok with living like this fubuki” a bashful yet caring voice had spoke.

“Well, you see Lucy since we haven’t tasted life in the suburbs we don’t know any better” a somehow cheerful voice that had lost all hope spoke. Two young teens were on their way to get their share of rations for the week taking caution not to take a wrong turn into dangerous territory.

“What do we have here ay some punks on their way to horde more rations from the rest of us huh?”

“Of course, not we haven’t gotten our share yet so we were hoping to get ours and go home” Fubuki spoke her voice shaking as the man began to move towards them as he came more into the sun more of his bloodied body was seen

“Oh really? Yet you look so full” the man said mocking fubuki

Lucy stepped forward surprising the man

“Back off you no good delinquent” Lucy ordered

As the man stopped moving, he grew a sinister twisted smile

“You know what my power is girl? it’s called crush and i’m pretty sure you get the idea.”

“So, what it’s not like you could even touch me.” Lucy said confidently as if knowing the outcome of what was about to ensue

“Fine then girly but don’t say I didn’t try to warn you”

With one swift action the man had gotten right in front of Lucy and grabbed her face and slowly began to crush her face.

“Geesh man you’re not that shtrong”

Lucy said muffled by the mans hand. As she grabbed his hand he let go her grip being tight. As the man got free his struggle was obvious. Before Lucy could even make a witty comment man had sprung off again but this time missed Lucy and grabbed fubuki’s face crushing it in a matter of seconds her muffled screams only heard by the man and Lucy after a couple seconds she was silent the man dropping her lifeless body to ground.

“thought I lost my touch for a second well what ever go get your rations or what ever.” Said the man triumphantly.

As he began to run Lucy held fubuki her face an unrecognisable pile of blood and bone her eyes filled with not only tears but fear as well. As Lucy sat there lost and confused she had but only one thought “this has to change.”

This was the story of death how she came to hate the world she lived in and how she would begin her journey to a new world. After this life changing event Lucy received her rations and returned to her hut alone it was almost silent all that someone would hear would be the quiet sobbing of a lonely reaper. The next morning as Lucy awoke she had nothing to do except change the world she lived in. As Lucy began to move determined to leave the slums she could tell her life was about to change.

Chapter 2: The assault

this was not the first time someone had wanted to change the world and yet any of those who wanted to change the world in fact many had tried doing this very thing before yet the council labels them as threats to the people’s peace. Sometimes people would cause a commotion within the suburbs or maybe the city if this was to happen the council would send these people to the slums. However after some time the council couldn’t attend every need so they would hand pick certain people with certain powers to act as a military against people who would speak out against the council. This leads us to Lucys first step towards the council

“hey pink hair lady” a soft spoken innocent voice says. Lucy turning around to face this stranger noticing her grim aesthetic as well as how tall her shoes made her.

“yea what do you want” Lucy responded politely

“is you’re name calliope by any chance” the lady said however this time she seemed more assertive

“yea it is do I know you” Lucy said getting ready to run just in case this woman was an enemy

“oh yea my names enia this is my first and last time meeting you” enia said conjuring a ball of something that seemed dangerous as she threw it Lucy didn’t flinch as it hit her the explosion destroyed the ground surrounding her Lucy herself remaining un harmed

“so what’s your power than miss Lucy” enia asked getting ready to throw something again

“geez do I have to explain it again?” Lucy sighed getting ready to throw hands

“of course i’d rather chat and fight” enia said playfully as if she was taunting Lucy

“fine i’ll do explain it as simply as possible” as Lucy dodged what ever enia was throwing she took a deep sigh”basically I call it null because it nullifies any power that Is either acted on me or I act on.” Lucy said letting out a big sigh. Enia stopped her pursuit in that moment and stared at Lucy her eyes beaming with joy.

“And you said you want to change the world right?” enia said excitedly. “Ok I take back what I said earlier about this being our last meeting”. Enia taking a deep breath before speaking yet again “let’s team up to topple this council” enia blurt out surprising Lucy. Within a few moments the brawl that threatened a life was over the vibe of the area completely changing.

“I mean like having more help would be nice yea sure” Lucy said confused as to the sudden mood change “However I have one condition that being you get me up to the suburbs.” Lucy declared confidently thinking that enia was connected to council she might have a short cut to the council.

“Oh actually I can’t really help with that” enia said crushing all of Lucys hope of getting out of the slums. “However I do know how to get out of the slums” enia stated reigniting Lucys hope of leaving the slums. “It may be a bit difficult” enia revealed getting Lucy more excited

“Alright we’ll team up then you me against the council” Lucy declared enia could see the fire burning passion in her eyes.

“how ever i’ve got a question for you” Lucy said her tone completing changing the serious pressure crushing Enia. “What’s your power?” Lucy questioned the pressure somehow building even more as enia replied

“My power is the ability to create and manipulate anti matter.” With that sentence Lucys face of excitement turned to one of terror as Lucy realised she had no idea what anti matter was. Afraid of the awkward situation that would in-tale if she asked so Lucy decided to stay quiet.

CHAPTER THREE: a quick pit stop

Stories are often told from the winner’s perspective this means that the struggle of those that are defeated are never told. This is the story of the priestess that was silenced a servant that had a voice but no one to listen. Her voice falling on deaf ears.

Despite trying to kill Lucy at first it turned out Enia was a great person she served under the council that had oppressed those with talent. Her family had a history of royalty and had also served under a cult before the people had received their powers. The council picked Enia as she had great potential and because of her family’s history the council had decided she could be easily manipulated to become a devout follower. What the council hadn’t realised that Enia’s family had tried to change from their past to start a new so as she joined the council and saw what horrors people would live through in the slums she started to have doubts about how good the council really was. After two years of searching she had finally found someone with a power strong enough to topple the council.

“hey so like do you have any family in the slums?” Enia questioned Lucy stopping in her tracks looking up at the sky.

“Not that I know of” Lucy said her voice deepening with a serious tone.

“Ah sorry I asked” Enia said regretting her conversation starter.

“Well any way we’re here” Lucy said triumphantly. Standing in front of them was building Enia could swear was about to fall in on itself a sign reading “1 night = one day of rations” Enia’s puzzled look told Lucy everything she needed to know

“Don’t worry I’ve got two weeks’ worth of rations so just one day would be fine” for me

“No that’s not what I’m confused about why don’t you pay with money?” Enia questioned looking at Lucy as if she had never heard of rations before.

“Well money has no real value here in the slums because we can’t spend anything anywhere” Lucy explained as they entered the motel

“Hey Muppet one room for the night” Lucy exclaimed as she slammed the door opened. Enia swearing the door might have fallen off at that moment.

“Ah Lucy welcome and is this a friend of yours? They don’t look that fubuki chick you had in here last week” the old man at the counter said his voice sounded like sandpaper being rubbed against the road.

“Yea you won’t be seeing her again” Lucy said with a heavy voice all the happiness in her eyes dropping and being replace not with a look of sadness but a look of rage.

“Ah I see then alright then a room for two or two rooms?” the man replied not seeming to care about the loss of life.

“Just a room for two” Lucy said.

As the man threw the keys Lucy pushed Enia to the side as an explosion erupted around Lucy

“Geez you old geezer your brain starting to deteriorate like this damn building” Lucy yelled at the man. The old man gave a look of disappointment as Enia looked at Lucy amazed that she didn’t seemed phased at this attempted murder attempt

“just testing your reflexes you damned Satan worshiping punk!” the old man yelled from what Enia had seen she couldn’t tell if Lucy got along with this man or not. As Lucy picked up the keys and began moving to up stairs she turned to Enia who was still in shock form the attempted assault that just happened

CHAPTER FOUR: A chance meeting

Not everything in the world is fair some people are born with gifts or born into a loving family. While some people are born and seen as nothing but statistics something that a parent can show off. Sometimes people have no choice in what they enjoy sometimes people are born with out any gifts without anyone they can truly say they love. The story of the phoenix is one of eternal suffering

After a long night Enia and Lucy left the motel the old man at the desk still looking displeased with them. As Lucy bid her fare wells they began their journey towards the suburbs

“hey Enia, what you said about getting to the suburbs how exactly do you intend to get there” Lucy questioned as Lucy questioned Enia’s face began to contort to a smile

“I’m glad you asked Lucy” Enia said taking deep breath “so the council wanted a way to bring people out of the slums as long as they are no longer deemed a threat to public safety so they made these tickets that they might give out.” Enia taking another deep breath in before explaining “so if we can get our hands on one of those, we may be able to get out of this place” Enia finished explaining out of breath and having to stop to catch her breath

“Well how do you suppose we find one then hmmm miss Enia?” Lucy asked mockingly as she turned to check on Enia

“Well, it’s a lot easier than you think considering that you guys use rations as your currency and it’s just a gold slip I’m sure we can find one soon” Enia said but before she could finish Lucy pulled one out of her back pocket of her shorts

“Oh, you mean like this?” Lucy questioned. Enia looked on at the ticket dumbfounded and speechless and simply nodded and began to walk down the path

After walking for some time in silence Enia decided to try and start conversation.

“So Lucy where did you get that ticket?” still confused at how Lucy got one

“you remember how the asshole at the bar asked about my other friend?” Lucy said “before she died, she got one of these we were going to take it to rations to see what it was about.” Enia again feeling embarrassed for bringing such a topic apologized as they headed onward. As they continued Lucy noticed a scuffle going on and decided not to intervene. However Enia couldn’t let her ignore it “what do you think you’re doing Lucy that person needs our help” Enia whispered Lucy new she didn’t want to get involved either but decided against running seeing how worried Enia was.

Upon walking up to the commotion Lucy could make out three figures two dudes and what seemed like a mangled corpse on the ground in front of them. The two dudes taunting the corpse as if it was alive. “Hey, you two back off can’t you see their already dead there’s no reason to disrespect the dead.” Lucy said knowing she was already too late to save a life.

“And what of it lady it’s not like you knew this person.” One of the men said turning to Lucy from his eyes Enia could tell the one thing on his mind was lust his eyes undressing her as he stared. His friend turned to look at the two approaching strangers. “Hey, now ladies excuse my friend here but you know life can be hard down here in the slums, so we are just doing what we have to you know” as he spoke, he got closer and closer. Enia could tell all he wanted was to fight and kill.

“Hey Lucy, we should run” Enia whispered trying to get Lucy’s attention but from what she could see Lucy was furious with what they had said.

“Listen up you two I’m going to send you right were you sent that person.” Lucy stated getting ready to beat these hooligans.

“try all you might you won’t even be able to scratch me” the man said with murderous intent as he began to change his body began to become more ragged and sharp on the edges skin turning to what seemed like stone “I’ll have you know my power is the ability to harden any part of my body so there’s no way you could even hurt m-.” as he was about to finish speaking Lucy had hit the man in the face sending him flying as he was unprepared for the hit.

“Woah Lucy how’d you hit him so far?” Enia questioned absolutely bewildered at the fact she could hit so hard.

“I don’t know I kind of just let all my anger out in a single punch” Lucy said turning away from the man “geez you’re lucky I was already hardened up” said the man whipping blood off his cheek

“my names Derik by the way.”

“I honestly couldn’t care less what your name is so I’m going to call you deadbeat alright” Lucy said mocking Derik.

“Good gives more reason to hate you” Derik said as he lunged at Lucy hitting her square in the face but he’d barely caused her to move from the hit

“You pack a bit of punch don’t cha” Lucy said grabbing Derik’s fist

“Watch out for his knee,” said an unfamiliar voice. Lucy seeing Derik launch his knee was able to grab it in time before he hit. With no other option left Lucy rammed her head into Derik’s forehead knocking him unconscious. However now Derik’s friend had decided to get up.

“Geez you must be something else to withstand his punch” said the man his shirt barely staying on due to how loose it was his pants fared no better.

“Well, you know I’m stronger than Derik so may as well-” as the man finally got up Enia lobbed a ball of antimatter at him causing a hole to form in his chest without even activating his power the man was dead.

Lucy turned to what she thought was a corpse to find a woman of similar age to Lucy readjusting her jaw back into place. It was nothing short of a miracle how she was alive and nothing of a miracle how good she looked. Her hair was a nice orange and was somehow cut short but was also long enough that it would still need a good brushing every now and then her eyes were a beautiful shade of purple that neither Lucy nor Enia had ever seen before.

“Thank you for stepping in I don’t think I could have beat those guys if it weren’t for you” she spoke her voice a bit raspy and naturally loud.

“Oh, I never introduced myself my names Freyja and what are your names?” Freyja said stunning Lucy with her beauty Enia spoke first.

“Oh, nice to meat you Freyja my names Enia and this is Lucy.” Enia spoke normally as if Freyja was just a normal person.

“Alright and what are you two doing out here anyway.” Freyja questioned

“Well you see we um we are trying to get to the to the um to the suburbs be-be-because we want to topple the council yea” Lucy blurted out her face turning bright red as she kept looking at Freyja.

“Wait really I’ve been wanting to topple the council for a while now do you mind if I tag along” Freyja asked excitedly as she got close to Lucy, Lucy could have sworn she was going to faint.

“Well as long as Lucy’s okay with it I have no complaints.” Enia said noticing how Lucy was acting.

“Yea sure you uh you can come with us only if you want of course, I’m not saying you have to but it would be great.” Lucy began to ramble but was quickly cut off by Freyja

“Great oh and by the way my power is super regeneration I can regrow entire limbs in a instant”

Chapter five: A phoenixes partner

Unlike most creatures created the phoenix is the one who lives through the worst pain. Once a phoenix is born it will never truly die until it has its own child. This cycle is a vicious a phoenix will never now its mother nor father and it lives a life of eternal solitude until it meets its partner in which case it may conceive a child but never get to see this child grow and succeed. Many may say that a phoenix is a beautiful creature, but none will never know its torture of living.

After meeting Freyja Lucy felt more confident in not only her chances but Enia’s chances of defeating the council.

“So were do we intend to sleep on our journey to the suburbs” Freyja asked as she began to yawn.

“Well, we don’t really have anywhere considering I don’t know this part of town that well” Lucy said her eyes nearly closing as she wandered.

“Hey that place looks like a motel, doesn’t it?” Enia said pointing towards a building that was barely standing. To everyone’s surprise it was as they entered Lucy slammed the door open to her surprise it didn’t fall off.

“What d’ya want” said someone at the bar although nobody could see anything or anyone that may provide service.

“Hello, is anyone here” Freyja said looking around trying to find the source of the voice

“Yea I’m right here” the voice said as someone popped up over the front desk a small girl with grey hair appeared.

“So, you need a room for three? That’ll cost you 1 week of rations” the small girl said

“What that’s so expensive! Do you have anything cheaper.” Asked Lucy

“Well, you get a room for two plus a room for one for 4 days’ worth of rations” the small girl said judging the group as she explained prices.

“Yea that sounds nice me and Lucy will take the two room and Enia will take the one bedroom.” Freyja said trying to deescalate the situation.

“Alright then here take the keys” the small girl said leaving the keys on the desk as she went to clean the bar.

After entering their rooms Lucy lay down on the bed as Freyja began to crawl under the covers but instead of falling asleep Freyja asked Lucy a question.

“Say Lucy can I ask why you want to topple the council?”

“Well, it’s because one of my closest friends died and I was just sick and tired of living in the slums.” Lucy said looking at the ceiling. “What about you why did you join us?” Lucy asked.

“Well, it’s because you saved me, You came to help me even though I already looked dead, You took a hit for me even though you thought I was dead.” Freyja said her eyes filling with tears. “It’s been a while since someone came to help me” Freyja began to cry as she did, she felt a warm feeling grasp her body. As she did, she opened her eyes to see Lucy holding her.

“Hey now don’t worry I wont let someone hurt you like they did again alright now please lets get some sleep we are going to have a big day tomorrow alright” Lucy said her voice somehow caring reminding Freyja of a mother she never had. As Lucy fell silent Freyja began to cry harder however these tears were not only tears of sadness but also tears of joy. After a while both Lucy and Freyja had fallen asleep the room silent and dark a suspicious figure entered the room as it reached for their golden ticket out of this hell hole as they did their hand grabbed by another figure

“Oya oya what are you doing in a guest room so late into the night” Enia said her voice deep as she had been awoken by floorboards creaking

Chapter six: Poseidon’s weakest soldier

Despite being a city of advanced human who had no need for the surface the people of Atlantis were still not able to escape the same fault of all humans their emotions. The reason for the fall of Atlantis was because humans could not restrain their primal urges to fight each other the feeling of jealousy because someone has something you don’t causes war and the fall of a once great nation

After a goodnights sleep Lucy awoke to an empty bed and stumbled into the bathroom to find Freyja brushing her hair

“Oh, good morning Lucy did you sleep well” Freyja asked somehow, she was so full of energy so early in the morning.

“Yea I slept great it felt like that bed was made in heaven.” Lucy said still kind of waking up

“Well, I’ll let you get ready” Freyja said as she left the bathroom. Lucy noticing that she left her under garments in the bathroom. This waking Lucy up as she turned bright red. Lucy’s embarrassed scream could be heard through the entire motel as well as Freyja’s hysterical laughter. After the mornings fiasco they headed downstairs to see Enia holding a blade made of antimatter to the hostess’s throat as the hostess holds a trident to Enia’s head. Lucy and Freyja instantly spring into action running towards them as Enia yelled at them to stop.

“What do you mean stop you’re clearly in danger Enia” said Lucy stressing about the situation unfolding in front of her

“listen if this gremlin makes a move I’ll slit her throat but if I make a move I’m getting impaled so I need you guys to talk her down.” Enia said not taking an eye off the hostess as she stared into Enia’s eyes.

“I have a name you know it’s Kristin you hag” she yelled looking over at Freyja and Lucy. “Just know if you want your friend here to live you better hand over that golden ticket out of this shit hole.”

“Don’t you do it Lucy think about changing the world you want the world to change right then some sacrifice may be needed” Enia said pushing the dagger closer to Kristin’s throat.

“Just stop!” yelled Lucy “I’m not losing any more friends than I already have Enia, I’m not letting you die.” As Lucy said this she began to pull the ticket out but as she did Freyja grabbed Enia’s hand and yanked her towards Lucy as she slid under Kristin who Impaled Freyja’s skull with her trident. Lucy in a frightened panicked grabbed Enia and pulled her away from Kristin.

“Damn guess I couldn’t kill the shadow priestess huh, but the dumb orange hair girl should do.” Kristin said pulling the trident from Freyja’s skull. The blood dripping to floor “god and I’ll have to clean this up later won’t I man you keep making my day more and more busy.” Kristin said smugly getting ready to charge Lucy but before she could Lucy grabbed Kristin’s trident easily overpowering her and throwing the trident to the floor. Her eyes burned with hatred as she grabbed Kristin by the neck and lifted her to the air Kristin squirming as she couldn’t breathe Lucy’s grasp only getting tighter.

“Oh, you won’t have to clean the floor if you die right now will you huh?” Lucy said her voice really emphasising how she felt no guilt for what she was doing. As Enia watched on in horror at the act Lucy was committing she couldn’t muster any confidence to say even a single word. As Kristin’s face was turning purple Lucy felt pain in her stomach as she dropped Kristin to the floor.

“Geez Lucy did you forget that I can heal super quickly.” Freyja said scolding Lucy. As Kristin gasped for air she felt a tight force act upon her neck as her face slammed to hit the ground around her neck was collar of antimatter Enia had cast on her to keep her from moving.

“Why would you just threaten us like that I though you were meant to be a hostess?” Enia asked as she crouched down to Kristin’s level. Kristin who had began to cry was somehow able to get a few words out.

“I just want to see my Friend again it’s been so many years” Kristin cried her crying becoming stronger. “That was my one ticket to see her my one ticket to finally bid farewell to that damned council.” The group fell silent They realised Kristin had the same goal as them but she tried to kill them they couldn’t just walk around with someone who tried to murder them could they? As the group tried to think of what to do with Kristin Freyja said that they should leave her here she did impale her after all. Enia was willing to take her to the suburbs so she could be reunited with her friend so she wouldn’t do it again. So the decision fell onto Lucy what would she say to change the fate of this not so innocent girl.

Chapter seven: the decision that changed fate

Humanity’s biggest regret was never exploring the ocean. However humanity had ruined any chance of exploring the ocean via polluting the ocean causing unliveable standards for both the humans themselves and the sea life that occupied the ocean. If there were any remnants of Atlantis than they would have been devoured by the poison of greed that the surface dwellers feel.

After a long and hard decision the group decided to let Kristin tag along as long as she promised to not kill or harm any one they teamed up with. Kristin reluctantly agreed and then they were off with a new friend to accompany them. Although tension was rising in the group as Freyja had been against allowing Kristin to tag along.

“You know Lucy this might have been the worst decision you’ve made.” Freyja argued

“Geez I said i’m sorry don’t I how many times do I have to apologise.” Kristin complained looking up at Freyja as Freyja looked down at her in disgust.

“You know I hate you” Freyja said slapping Kristin on the back of the head

“Shut it you two.” Lucy asserted silencing the two as she spoke. A cold air blew threw the group as silence had taken the place of arguing. As the group continued on their way to the suburbs they were approached by a hooded figure.

“So we finally meet.” The hooded figure spoke their voice dry and raspy.

“Who might you be?” Lucy asked expecting just another thug that stood in her way

“I’ve been sent by the third member of the council to stop you from getting any further as you are all seen as threats to the people’s peace and should be disposed of in a orderly matter.” The hooded figure said getting ready for a full assault.

“Listen uh what ever you are i’ll have you know last time the council sent someone they joined my side.” Lucy Said proud as if Enia was trophy she was showing off The hooded figure began to laugh hysterically.

“we should run.” Enia said already beginning to back off but before she could begin running her head was incased in water the same thing happening to Freyja, Kristin and Lucy. Although Lucy didn’t seem to phased as she could still breath the others seemed to be panicking.

“I figured you were going to be a bit more challenging and Enia how disappointing I thought you were meant to be strong but you’re already out of breath.”

As the hooded figure mocked them they removed their hood to reveal face covered in scars one of their eyes had lost all its colour the aura they emitted gave even Lucy shivers.

“My names Salem one of the highest servants of the council now if you don’t mind i’m going to kill you all.” As Salem began to reach out their hands the air within the bubbles dropped causing Freyja and Enia to fall to the floor. As Lucy began to move she felt a pull on the bottom of her shirt as she turned around she found Kristin pulling on her shirt.

“Let me deal with them i’m kind of a water pro” Kristin said surprising Lucy as her head was also within a water bubble. Lucy gave Kristin thumbs up as Kristin smiled menacingly pulling her trident out of her over sized jumper and began to charge at Salem. This surprised Salem as they began to conjure a blade of water launching it at Kristin. Kristin quickly blocking it with her trident the trident receiving minimal damage.

“It’s gonna take a lot more than that to defeat someone of Atlantian descent.” Kristin said striking Salem as she did Salem blocked it with a shield of water

“Let me guess hydromancy?” Kristin questioned taking a step back

“nope actually its complete hydromancy I control every bit of water including the temperature.” Salem said as they summoned a water blade freezing it in their hands. Going to slash Kristin who blocked the hit shattering Salem’s blade.

“tch not much of a blade now is it.” Kristin said

“Not that one” Salem said conjuring another ice blade this time aiming for Kristin’s stomach but as they went for the kill Lucy pushed kristin out of the way the dagger hitting her lower stomach and turning to vapour as it hit her.

“gosh Lucy you’re annoying ain’t ya.” Salem said.

Chapter eight: the kraken that turned from deaths door

“Hey Kristin how can you still breath with that water bubble on you?” Lucy asked as another water blade was vaporised upon touching her skin.

“I have gills ya know.” Kristin said “That’s my ability I’m half amphibian I could live in the water if it wasn’t so polluted.”

“Oh that’s neat” Lucy stated

“oi stop with the idle chit chat I’m trying to kill you.” Salem said getting ready to launch a powerful attack at that moment Lucy noticed that Enia and Freyja’s water bubble was starting to shrink.

“Hey Kristin you think that they can only control a certain amount of water at once?” Lucy asked

“yea that makes sense otherwise they would have already summoned a ton of blades at once” Kristin responded getting ready to dodge another attack. Salem began to summon a spear made of water holding it like a javelin and throwing it at Kristin. As Kristin blocked the attack with her trident the water began to shift as it devoured Kristin whole

“I’ve won Kristin you can’t dodge an attack if it comes from every direction at once, can you?” Salem yelled as they began to shift the water into a spike ball and closing their fist the spikes on the water beginning to close in on Kristin.

“Now perish and return to the sea where you shall be devoured by the depths of the ocean” Salem said their voice insane. Lucy began to run towards them as a ball flew past Salem blocking the attack.

“So, you aren’t dead then huh Enia” Salem said turning towards seeing Enia getting back up with another ball of antimatter getting ready to throw it at Salem.

“You always let your emotions get the better of you Enia, your weak, your alone and worst of all you’re a traitor” Salem taking a deep breath before continuing ceased his assault on Kristin and Lucy.

“Tell me Enia what do you have? Considering you don’t have any family to fight for and I’m sure none of these bottom dwellers like you either so tell me why do you keep going.” Salem said Enia was barely standing she couldn’t talk she may have been too weak to even throw her orb as she was about to throw it Kristin spoke up.

“I never said I hate her you know … she’s a great person who cares for her friends I’m not letting you kill someone so great that this world needs.” As Kristin spoke Salem shot a spear at Kristin hitting her in the shoulder.

“Silence you damned sea creature” Salem said as he began to walk towards Enia summoning another water dagger in their hands. Enia looking up and throwing her antimatter ball causing Salem to block in front of them how ever the hit never came. Enia had thrown the antimatter ball at Lucy who was able to grab and throw the ball at Salem from a different direction hitting Salem in the side blasting a hole that destroyed half of their torso.

Enia ran over to Kristin clutching her as she lay on the ground tears forming in her eyes as Kristin lay on the ground.

“Kristin did you mean what you said” Enia said as she squeezed Kristin’s arm

“Yea I did you dummy, and I should probably apologize for trying to kill you at the motel” Kristin said as she tried to stand nearly falling over

“No worries now c’mon and lean against my shoulder let’s get some place to rest” Enia said wrapping Kristin’s arm around her neck to help Kristin stand.

Chapter nine: the storm after the calm

“You ain’t getting away from me like that” Salem said standing what remained of their insides nearly falling out of the hole Enia’s antimatter ball made “I’ll hit you with everything I got in this next attack so get ready to become swallowed up by the great deep blueness of the ocean” Salem yelled as water began to form around them at an incredible pace. Enia carrying Kristin had no time to react neither did Freyja as they were swept into a vortex. Using what strength, they had left Salem had flooded a large segment of the slums and caused a vortex strong enough to rip building off their foundation. As Lucy stood under the chaos she noticed Salem staring at them holding a dagger this time it wasn’t made from ice

“I’ll kill you with my bare hands you devil” Salem exclaimed as they ran towards Lucy using the water to support them stopping any more blood or organs from falling out. As they were approaching Lucy noticed a sharp stick of metal from one of the buildings foundations not to far away from where she was standing. Knowing the only way to stop the vortex was to kill Salem Lucy began to run towards the metal spear as she did Salem turned the control of their body getting noticeably clumsier. As Lucy grabbed the rod out of the ground she turned to Salem who was seconds away from impaling her with their dagger. Lucy held out the rod and thrusted it forward impaling their skull

“you … bastard I’ll kill you” Salem said with their final breath as they dropped their dagger the flood began to disperse as the water returned to water vapour within the air.

Luckily the vortex was close enough to Lucy’s final fight that the rest of the gang had landed nearby. They seemed fine except for Freyja who was barely breathing

“Hey Freyja, you alright?” Lucy asked rushing over to her after a long pause Freyja responded

“Couldn’t be better that actually helped with this weird feeling I had in my back.” After exchanging a bit of a giggle Lucy went to check on Enia and Kristin

“What about you two are you alright?” Lucy asked looking at the two you would assume that they had just gotten out of bed.

“Yea I’m fine” Kristin said

“So am I but Kristin could you please get off me” Enia said trying to push Kristin off her lap. From what Lucy could see they were mostly fine except Enia seemed exhausted for some reason.

“Say Enia what’s got you so exhausted?” Lucy questioned

“It’s because she kept throwing those shadow balls at debris in the vortex to stop us from getting hurt” Kristin answered as Enia fell unconscious.

“Oh, what about your arm?” Lucy again asked

“It hurts like hell but what can I do about it” Kristin said resting against some rubble as Freyja approached

“You know my spit has regenerative properties, right?” Freyja questioned this causing both Lucy and Kristin look at her in disgust.

“I’m not lying it’s true!” Freyja argued

“What else do I have to lose” Kristin said reaching her arm out for Freyja to spit on it. As she did Freyja cleared her throat and spat on Kristin’s wound within seconds it was healed up and it also caused little pain.

“Huh it really worked that’s cool” Kristin said moving her arm as if it hadn’t been impaled. Lucy however looked dead as she realised due to the nature of her power, she couldn’t receive this special treatment from Freyja.

Chapter ten: the next steps

As everyone began to continue towards the border between the suburbs and the slums Kristin stopped everyone for a moment.

“Hey everyone, I noticed that none of you have any weapons on you.” Kristin said turning around. As everyone realised, she was right.

“I did feel kind of useless in the fight against the water dude.” Freyja said looking at her empty hands.

“Well, you’re in luck then I know a guy around here who made me my trident” Kristin said smugly

“Although it will cost us all our rations” Kristin said looking away from the group as Lucy looked to Enia

“How long will it take us to get to the suburbs then?” Lucy asked

“Probably like one day” Enia said still barely conscious from the conflict that had happened a few days ago

“Alright then let’s go” Lucy said as she began to follow Kristin who seemed excited to see this person again

The journey was uneventful as the group found a tent with an anvil and what seemed like a fireplace

“Hey Baldemar, how have ya been” Kristin said entering the tent

“Didn’t I tell you to not come back here you damned pick squeak” Baldemar said his voice filled with rage and yet it was somehow enchanting its depth made Enia’s heart skip a beat as he got out of his chair his body covered in burn scars, yet it was still seemed sturdy like it could take a good hit. This caused Enia to drool a little bit

“Oh, you brought more customers” Baldemar said calming down his voice incredibly soothing like a father would use when talking to a newborn only his voice caused Enia’s nose to begin bleeding due to the blood rushing to her head.

“Ah are you alright I didn’t scare you, did I?” Baldemar said a look of worry in his eyes

“No. no you’re fine I just got a little bit excited is all” Enia said wiping the blood from her nose “I might have to step outside for a bit” Enia said as she stumbled outside

“So, what do you two want then?” Baldemar asked Lucy and Freyja

“Uhm I’ve been wanting a scythe for a while now what about you Freyja?” Lucy asked Freyja.

“I think a shield would be pretty cool” Freyja responded

“Cool that will be all your rations” Baldemar said getting ready to begin the forging process

“yea alright” Lucy said as she stepped outside.

“Oh and one more thing” Baldemar said “I’m going to need some information out of you two”

“Ask away mister” Freyja said as Lucy turned to answer this man’s question

“what’s your favourite colour? How tall are you? Do you have any allergies and how old are you?” Baldemar asked his questions hitting Lucy and Freyja like semitrucks.

“My favourite colour is pink like my hair, I’m 180 cm tall, I’m not allergic to anything and I’m 20 years old” Lucy stated as quickly as Baldemar had asked her the questions. Everybody looked at Freyja waiting for her answers.

“Well, my favourite colour is red and orange I think they’re really pretty, I’m pretty sure I’m like 178cm tall but it’s been a little while since I last measured, I don’t have any allergies that I’m aware of and I’m 19 years old and 3 months” Freyja said her explanations nearly putting everyone to sleep

“Alright I’ll get your weapons ready in a couple hours just wait out the front” Baldemar said shooing everyone out of his tent

After leaving the tent Lucy decided to start some conversation with the group

“So, what was up with those questions?” Lucy asked Kristin

“Oh, they’re so he can make your weapons more personal” Kristin stated

“So, then what did you answer for his questions” Freyja asked

“My favourite colour is blue, I’m 152 cm tall, I’m allergic to cats and I’m 16 years old” Kristin said blushing as she realised, she just revealed a lot of her own personal info

“My favourite colour is violet, I’m 163 cm tall, I have a peanut allergy and I’m 17 years old” Enia spouted hoping to make Kristin feel less embarrassed.

“Cool so what now?” Lucy asked as the group sat around in silence

“Why don’t we play truth or dare?” Freyja suggested seeing as there was nothing else to do the everyone else agreed

Chapter eleven: the truth

“So, I’ll start then Lucy truth or dare” Kristin said

“I ain’t no wuss dare” Lucy said

“I dare you to take off your shirt” Kristin said looking at Freyja who had began to blush

“Yea alright” Lucy said her voice a bit shaky as she began to take her shirt

“Alright Enia truth or dare” Lucy said still a bit shaky

“truth” Enia said feeling a look of shame come from Lucy

“Fine then have you ever kissed someone?” Lucy asked

“Other than my family? No” Enia said somehow not embarrassed by the question “oh that means it’s my turn, right?” Enia asked excitedly “okay Kristin truth or dare?”

“Dare” Kristin responded

“Okay I um I dare you too tell me your childhood crush” Enia said with complete confidence

“Um Enia that’s more of a truth thing, a dare is like a physical action y’know like Lucy taking her shirt off” Kristin said

“Oh I see, then I dare you too hold your breath for 10 seconds” Enia said with little confidence

“Easy as pie” Kristin said beginning to hold her breath.

“Alright my go then” Freyja said looking at Kristin “Alright Kristin truth or dare” after a 7 second pause Kristin responded.

“Truth please”

“Do you have a crush on anyone here?” Freyja asked Lucy and Kristin both sighing as they expected a typical youngster answer

“No not really” Kristin said as she did Freyja groaned as she looked up at the sky

“Alright then Freyja truth or dare” Kristin asked

“Hmmm how about dare” Freyja answered looking determined as ever

“I dare you to kiss Lucy” Kristin said as she did Freyja turning a brighter colour than her hair

“I mean like a dares a dare” she said as she got up and approached Lucy who had also turned a shade of red. As Freyja got closer she swore she could hear Lucy’s heart racing as hers began to race as well when finally after what seemed like an eternity she gave a Lucy a little peck on the cheek.

“Alright then Enia your go” Kristin said already entertained

“I think I’ll pass right now” Enia said holding her head down low

“Alright then Lucy your up”

“Enia truth or dare” Lucy said staring Enia down

“truth” Enia spoke softly as if she were about to cry

“why couldn’t you bring us out of the slums earlier” Lucy asked as she did rain began to fall but not hitting anyone it was as if it had phased through them and hit only the floor

“Because I couldn’t” Enia said her voice shaky as the tears began to fall or as the others would have said the rain began to pour

“why not” Lucy asked

“Because if you had gotten to the suburbs earlier you wouldn’t have met the kraken or the phoenix and we would have died by the hands of the council” Enia said her tears still falling as she began to breakdown

“there’s something you’re not telling us isn’t there Enia” Lucy spoke again her serious tone scaring the others

“I can’t tell you not yet not until we meet hope” Enia said as she began to calm herself

“Fine but you owe us an explanation when we do” Lucy said “and sorry about that outburst I could tell something was eating you up inside” Lucy said apologetically.

“Hey, your weapons are ready come and have a look” Baldemar yelled startling everyone causing Enia’s nose to begin bleeding again.

As Lucy and Freyja rushed in Kristin stayed back trying to stop Enia from fainting

“Wow it looks so cool thank you Mr Baldemar” Freyja said excitedly as she picked up her new shield it somehow being so light despite looking it like it would take an incredible beating

“And this scythe is something else it’s so light and the blade looks so sharp it looks so intimidating”

“You’re welcome girls and you aren’t welcome back unless you bring me more customers” Baldemar said tears filling his eyes “it’s just company policy.” He said as he began to bawl his eyes out.

“Alright then see you later you goofball” Kristin said guiding Freyja and Lucy out his hut

Chapter twelve: a new beginning

After a day’s travel, they had finally made it to the border the exit from the slums Lucy still holding onto her ticket

“Thank you Fubuki for my ticket out of here” Lucy said holding the ticket to her lips giving it a kiss as she approached the ticket booth

“What do you want” said the man at the booth

“Me and my friends have a ticket to the suburbs could you let us through?” Lucy asked her voice shaking with excitement

“Yea alright just give me your ticket” the man said Lucy handing over the ticket. After a bit of a look the man pointed them towards gate in the wall that led to the suburbs

“Just through there and you’ll be on the other side have fun and I hope to not see you again” the man said beginning to go back to sleep. As Lucy and the others walked to the other side of the gate the atmosphere had changed drastically everything felt more friendly and lively as they entered however this feeling would only last a moment as they were soon approached by a strange figure

“So, you’re the ones who defeated Salem well I’ll have you know I’m even stronger than he was” as they said this Lucy, Freyja and Kristin reached for their weapons Enia beginning to summon a ball of antimatter

“It’s no use you’ll be crushed before you can even make the first move” as the figure they began to rise into the sky “My name Gaven and I can manipulate gravity so have fun being crushed under my burning fist” as Gaven spoke a intense weight began to be put on the others causing them to fall to the ground Lucy un fazed looked up at the figure trying to think of a way to reach them when suddenly within the blink of an eye Gaven was knocked out falling to the ground when a figure appeared in front of the group as they began to stand Kristin excitedly ran up to them.

“Anna it’s been so long oh how I missed you” Kristin said wrapping her arms around this new figure everyone else on guard

“No need to be scared” Anna said her accent being one none of them had heard before “I’m on your side after all” Anna said taking off her hat to reveal some beautiful flowing blonde hair long enough to nearly touch the back of her knee her eyes as blue as the sky above them as she towered over Kristin which wasn’t that hard to do anyway.

“If we can trust you then what’s your power” Lucy asked

“Oh, it’s super super speed” Anna said

“Super super?” Freyja asked

“Yep, it’s like super speed but even more super” Anna responded

“I’m pretty sure she’s to stupid to be an enemy” Lucy said

“Hey, I’m not that stupid” Anna said stomping her foot like a toddler