Chapter 15:

What lies outside of Harmony

Seeking Utopia


Haneul and her team gather at the garage to prepare to take off to Nox Town. In addition to the usual team members, the rookies were introduced to two new faces: Naya and Evan, from the paramedics department. They will be escorting the team in case any health emergency occurs. The paramedics will be using their own vehicle meanwhile, the Rangers would be using their own specialized bikes. 

Although the rookies were trained to use the bikes, they were still thrilled to have their very own ones now. “We each get one?” Asks Jay eagerly. Enzo nods then says, “Exciting isn’t it? I recommend you name yours-mines Gloria.” Cinder shakes her head and says in a low voice, “Sure, if you’re as delusional as he is I suppose.” Enzo moved closer to “Gloria” rubbing her gently, almost whispering, “There there darling. Are you ready for another journey?” The rookies had a confused expression on their faces as they observed Enzo. “Is he…alright?” Sami asks Cinder. She nods slowly but her expression said otherwise. “Please excuse his odd behavior. I guarantee you, he is smart and capable most of the time.”

As they were getting on their bikes, Haneul explains, “As you are all aware by now, we are heading to Nox Town. We should be able to reach in two hours or so with these bikes. If needed, we can take a short break in between. You can find the directions on that small dashboard infront. Are you all aware on how to use these bikes?” They all nod. “For the most part I suppose” says Sami.

Haneul nods and continues to explain, “However do not expect perfect roads; we may be passing through some rough areas. Try to keep up with us as much as you can as the way to enter Nox town can be a bit a confusing even with a map; Especially if you are not familiar with it.”

“Don’t worry too much if you can’t go too fast, I will be sure to stay behind all of you; Just in case anything happens.” Says Aaron.

“Thanks Aaron, much appreciated.” She looks around at everyone and asks if they are all ready. They nod in agreement. “Perfect, let’s go.”

Leading the way was Haneul, the first one to head out right after the garage gate opened. The rest followed right after. They drove through a long narrow road that cut across the city’s skyscrapers and buildings. It was like watching a sped up movie. The city was bustling and busy as usual-so much was going on around them but they were moving at a different pace; that they did not feel as though they were part of it. Within 12 minutes they were already approaching the border.

As the gate at the first border was opening, Rain held tightly onto the hand clutches. She could feel her heart beating faster as the area on the other side was slowly revealing itself. This is would be the first time that she sets foot outside of Harmony. She looks at the other three rookies and wonders how much of the world they have seen already. Or were they all as nervous and excited as her.

A strong wind rushed against them as they proceeded with high speed. They couldn’t see anything at first, just fog and the main road below them. The area beneath them too deep- pitch black. Gradually, a landscape was starting to reveal itself. Rain suddenly realized that the bridge they were on was very high. From a distance below them, they could see a wide landscape covered in grass. Some mountains could also be seen surrounding them from far. Rain glanced at her side mirror to see if she could still see Harmony. A tiny sphere could be seen in the distance, glowing bright like jewel. It’s a strange feeling. She had spent around 16 years in that little bubble-which at the time seemed huge to her. For the first time, Rain finds herself being interested in something. Throughout the years all she thought of was becoming a Ranger and finding her parents. Life felt like a race; enjoying the moment and indulging in various things felt like a waste of time to her. Strangely though, right now she felt like taking a pause from that race, and instead exploring the world around her. Focus on the mission Rain. This is no time to be daydreaming… she thought to herself as she shifted her focus on the road ahead.

The view got more dull and empty as they proceeded forward. It was now an empty desert, with remnants of what used to be a town. Astrid felt uneasy as she looked at the view around her. People were living here once upon a time…working, studying, spending time with family, friends, arguing and laughing… she wonders if any of them foresaw this happening; that their normal life would come to an end abruptly. Of course not, who could? Will my life end before I know it too…she felt a pit in her stomach as the thoughts raced through her mind.

Halfway through the way to Nox Town, they find what looks like an abandoned station. The team decides to take a short break. Enzo notices the grim expressions on the rookies faces. “First time leaving Harmony ?” He asks as he lit a cigarette.

Rain and Jay both nod.

Astrid stays quiet for a bit then answers, “I used to live in F’nair - but moved to Harmony a few years ago to become a ranger. Other than those two I haven’t explored much of the world.”

“F’nair….huh. That sounds familiar…” Enzo says as he looks at the sky, trying to remember.

“Sigrid is from there as well.” Says Aaron; joining the conversation.

“Ah no wonder, it sounded familiar to me too.” Cinder remarks then looks at Astrid and says, “Not sure if you had a chance to meet her yet but Sigrid is an A rank Ranger, in Hakan’s team. She’s so strong too.”

“Really? Would love to meet her sometime!”

Enzo turns to look at Sami who was being too quiet. As he felt someone’s gaze on him, Sami looks up at Enzo. At first he was lost but then remembered Enzo’s question.

“Oh me? I’ve been around… occasionally.”

“Really? Where to?” Asks Cinder with an eager tone.

“Lots of places…”Sami was not intending to explain further but they are were curiously waiting for him to continue. “It’s just because of my fathers job really.”

“Interesting-what does he work as?” asks Enzo

Sami looks at the at the sky and says, “Well…he used to be an ambassador…”

“Wow, that’s so cool. Is there a particular place that was your favorite?” Cinder asks.

Sami takes a moment to think then says, “There was a small town that we briefly passed by…in Volkan I believe. It was in the mountains. A small, simple village; very different from the Harmony. They hardly had any roads and vehicles-just pathways and occasionally you might see a small vehicle pass by. I suppose the simplicity and calmness of the area is what attracted me to it. I felt peace over there. Even now whenever I feel stressed I close my eyes and remember that scenery; It helps.”

Enzo nods and adds, “I totally understand what you mean. Personally I’m from a little port town north of Lu’lua’s Capital. I go back whenever I’m on a break. Really helps me relax- especially with this line of work.”

The rest of the members; including Naya and Evan from the Paramedics team, jumped in to talk about their experiences, except for two people: Rain and Jay. The two could not help but feel a little jealous. They seemed to be the only ones who have never experienced anything outside of the city life. Aaron noticed that Jay and Rain were feeling left out. He smiles and says, “Don’t worry you two. You will have plenty of experiences as well I’m sure.”

Another member who seemed to be quietly listening to everyone the whole time was Haneul. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere, as she was lost in thought. After the team had a chance to rest, she announces that they will have to proceed to Nox Town.

                                   ****************************************

The road ahead was still empty. Pieces of what looked like broken buildings and equipment scattered around. They were getting closer to Nox town.

All of a sudden they notice an object floating midair, ahead of them. “What’s that…an air balloon?” asks Jay. Haneul signaled them to slow down as they approached it. As they got closer, the figure was slowly becoming clearer- it looked like a sun. With what looked like a face in the center. But it was still; like a mask. Aaron holds his sword and alerts the others, “It’s an Outsider! Spread out and keep your distance.” The paramedics team retreats; staying away from the Outsiders radar. The Rangers slowly got closer and realized it was much bigger than they expected. Cinder was the closest one to it. As she took a step closer it immediately released a beam towards her. Oh shoot! It has a wide radar... She moves away with her bike but the beam reached before she could fully escape.

Haneul yells as she got closer to Cinder, “Cinder- Jump!”

Cinder immediately jumps and lands on Haneul’s bike. “Thanks! What level is this thing?”

“It’s not showing, seems to be a new type.” Haneul responds while she was focused on moving away from its radar.

The outsider releases another beam towards Enzo and Sami. Although they move out of its way in time, they still felt the heat from the beam. “Damn…if this touches you you’re gone!” Exclaims Enzo as he felt a mild burn on his arm and thigh. Sami also felt a mild burn on his arm.

“Keep you distance! Try to fire at it from far. Let’s see what this thing is capable of” commands Haneul.

Rain, Enzo and Jay corner the Outsider from each side and began shooting. However, the bullets and arrows were melting from the heat before they were able to even reach it. “Do all Outsiders have these annoying shields ? It’s just like what we faced in the simulations.” Exclaims Jay who was starting to get nervous.

“Many of them do but there is usually a weakness; it’s not invincible” Explains Aaron.

Cinder scans the wide desert around them. The sun was shining bright above in the distance. Sweat was forming on her forehead and down her neck, it’s starting to get very hot already…she looks at the time on the bikes dashboard. It was 3.15 P.M; around the hottest time during the day. A sudden realization came to her, “Hey…do you think…it’s the weather?” Haneul takes a moment to think then responds, “You may be right…”

“How would we defeat it then? Are we supposed to stall it for another hour or two until the sun starts to set?” Asks Enzo

Astrid felt a rush of fear as she looked straight into the Outsiders face. It had a wide-creepy smile. As if it was laughing at them…knowing it had them trapped. Her heart began racing fast. Sweat was dripping from her forehead. She was beginning to feel dizzy.

As if detecting her fear, the Outsider releases a beam towards Astrid. “Astrid! Move away!” Yells Cinder. But Astrid was glued …unable to move. Her vision was slowly getting blurry… the feeling and sound of her heart beating filled her head. Is this it…? The world around her was moving in slow motion. The beam was getting closer. The heat wave hit her first. Too bright…and hot. She could hardly see or hear the others now. To avoid facing it, she closes her eyes…then memories of her past flashed through her mind. The bullying, abuse and her mother’s death. She suddenly remembered the day when her father found out about her application to Rangers. He laughed, in a mocking manner. “You think you are capable? You wouldn’t last a second. Despite your physical appearance your nothing but a wimp. But seems like you enjoy getting beaten up like her. Sure, enjoy being crushed and chewed by those beasts.” A tear fell down her cheek. He was right…I was always a coward. Even now.

Then, all of a sudden she felt someone’s arms around her. A force was pushing her away. After a few seconds she opens her eyes, only to find herself laying on the ground. How did I…. The bike she sitting on earlier was nothing but ashes now. “Astrid! Aaron” she heard someone scream from a distance… Aaron? She tilts her face slightly and notices that Aaron had fallen on the ground as well, right behind her. I see, I was saved by him.  “Are you alright ?” He asks. But before she could answer, her hearing became muffled. Then she blacked out.