Noir Frontier

The Calm Before The Storm

JERRY POV:

It's been a few years since I slaughtered that lab of people. I'm more surprised about the fact that I wasn't terminated on the spot. Well, I know they tried but "it"'refused.

As expected, more individuals with powers like me are around the facility.

Some with abilities that are quite basic...

Others with which are quite destructive.

I walked around, searching for a friend who had recently come back from a job. I heard he aided in destroying a gang that interfered with "important coordinates." In all honesty, I probably shouldn't know that.

"Yo Josh, you seen Matty anywhere? He still has my weights." I inquired while dipping my head into his room.

Another one of my friends while I've been in this facility is Josh, the master of the Primordial Runes. I've only seen him use it like twice or three times, but it's the shit apparently.

He looked a bit agitated, as I assume I interrupted his reading time.

"Nah, I don't know where he is. Might be in the recovery center with Zariah." Josh said in a slightly vexed tone.

"Ight, thanks." I shot him a finger gun goodbye and he swatted me away.

I'm pretty sure anyone would be annoyed if their room was placed right next to the training hall, it's always so loud in there. I watched as Caleb and Antonio, two more of my gifted peers, spar viciously. They slashed at each other with enough force to shatter the shiny marble tiles below. Watching them fight was pretty entertaining but unfortunately, going all out is forbidden by the higher-ups.

They're so paranoid.

As I was going to hit the corner of the tall and wide hallway, Matty came out of the cut unexpectedly. We kind of just stood frozen in place, staring at each other. It was awkward.

"Where are my weights? You know the ones I let you borrow..?"

"I may have accidentally, possibly turned them into salt."

We stared at each other for a moment longer.

"What do you mean 'accidentally' turned it into salt?"

"You know how I sometimes accidentally turn things into stuff like... well you know. It just happens sometimes. You know I wouldn't lie to you."

We shared another brief moment of silence. Awkward silence.

"If my weights aren't back in my room by the time I get back, I'll have your head"

He rolled his eyes and laughed to himself, continuing on his way.

I guess my mission is complete, I found Matty. Still no weights though. I continue walking toward the recovery center, 'might as well keep Zariah some company since I'm already headed that way.

I get to the recovery room and there she is, looking as delicate and dainty as usual. Her wings twitch and she turns towards me, greeting me with a smile. I turn to see that Mariono is there too, probably playing as her lab rat no doubt.

"Yo Jerry!" Mariono extends his hand toward me, I dap him up and pull him in for a hug.

"Hello there Jerry dear! What brings you here?" She turns back around and starts fiddling with the chemicals in front of her.

"Hey. Oh, it's nothing really. I was just stopping by to see how you were doing and what you were up to. I was originally on my way to get my weights from Matty, but I ended up running into him on my way here. Turns out he turned them into sal--"

She interrupted me, "Jerry," now she's in front of me, staring me dead in my eyes.

"Yes..?"

She pulled me close and spoke quietly, "You're rambling again." She flies past me in the direction of Mariono. She always finds a way to leave me speechless. Which is a good thing in this case I guess.

"So, uhh Zariah... What was it that you said you were up to?" I ask following behind her, keeping some distance.

"Nothing much, just helping Mariono out with some minor scars and rebandaging his arm. At the rate Antiono and Caleb going, they'll be walking through that doorway in no time."

"Yeah, on my way to see Josh I saw them sparring."

"Why didn't you join them?" her eyes never left the task at hand, she carefully removed the old bandages from Marionos arm.

"You see, here's the thing... I would but..." I trailed off.

"But?" She motions me to reach her the roll of new bandages.

"I just want to do some basic workouts at the moment. Not to mention, my power isn't really that compatible with theirs. You know I mainly work with weapons. I get that we're all capable of holding our own against one another but I'm not really in the mood to train with those two of all people."

"You can always spar with me," Mariono chimed in.

"As fun as it will be to see Jerry have his ass handed to him by the himbo of all fucking himbos in here... Mariono your power or combat style ain't exactly compatible with his either. Your physical strength alone might be a challenge too."

"Exactly, but Zariah... you work with weapons right?"

"Indeed I do," she motioned for me to hand her the pair of scissors beside me. "I mean... I have been wanting to test out some new weapons that are more convenient for someone of my stature..."

"You are very... petite."

"Ight now. I don't wanna hear none of that when I fold your ass. You and me, right now." She snips off the excess bandages and takes off her apron. "Don't pussy out now my dear."

"It's not like I'm scared or anything it's just that--"

"It's just that we need some medical assistance," interrupted Caleb. Antonio walked in behind him, the both of them covered in scratches and bruises.

"I can't catch a fucking break," Zariah said under her breath. She put her apron back on, "Get your asses on the table before I change my mind."

"Thank you, ma'am!" the boys say in unison as they walk over to the operation table.

Just as Zariah finished taking care of Caleb and Antonio an announcement comes on the overhead...

"All Children please gather in the common area in 15 for a brief discussion, don't be late."

"I guess our training session is gonna have to wait," Zariah once again takes off her apron and dusts herself off, "You heard 'em guys let's be on our way."

"Who died and made you boss," Caleb asked.

"Shut up asshole, I'm literally just relaying a message now move your ass before I beat it." Zariah was so feisty at times, her attitude sometimes being the polar opposite of what you'd expect based on the way she looks.

"It must be important. I didn't see a meeting scheduled for today at all." Mariono said.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Antonio grumbled as he rubbed the bruise on his shoulder.

"I guess we'll find out when we get there," I add as we all made our way to the common area, unaware of what was next to come.