*Running through the lower halls of the underground city Downtown. Almost out of breath. Realizing she can't run as fast as her big sister*
Sasha: Are you sure this is the way? You're going so fast; I can barely see! Slow DOWN Em!
*Smirking and wincing through the pain in her lungs. *
Emilia: Keep up slow poke! Grandma Jen could run faster than you!
Sasha: WAIT EM! OOF!
*Trips over a piece of garbage/box that was hiding in the darkness and tumbles down as Emilia rushes onward and around a corner. wincing and crying in pain at noticing her injuries. A scrape on her knee that was noticeable through the rip in her pants. *
Sasha: Ahh! Shit! Em! Where'd you go?!
*Speaks from the darkness. Voice slightly echoing*
Emilia: You're an Erst! Where's your instincts? What does the dirt show you? Can you smell me?
Sasha: No! I- I can't do that! Remember? Dad taught YOU that!
Emilia: Oh... hahaha!
*Comes out of the darkness with a prideful stance reaching out her hand*
Emilia: Come on Sassy Sasha! You have your own abilities. You may not be tech savvy or strong, but you've got no worries.
*Helps her up off the ground and smirks*
You've got me.
Sasha: You know I hate it when you and dad call me that.
*Brushes the dirt off herself*
Emilia: You need to pay more attention to where you're going. Jump, roll, run. You have to trust yourself.
*Brushing off her face the trail of tears*
Sasha: It's almost like you believe you are truly elite compared to me. I may be weak and untalented, but at least I'm not arrogant SIS.
Emilia: *scoffs* Ooo Someone's feeling salty. *smirks* Okay Sash, how about we just take it easy today? I'll run at half my strength and maybe give you the win on the way home when I get back.
Sasha: How about I walk home, and you just run your errands? Dad said he needs those parts for the generator. If you don't come back with it, everybody will freeze, and the kids will be crying. Afterall, I don't want to SLOW you down sis.
Emilia: *already dashing off*
Let dad know I'll be back ASAP! Get home and try to stay warm!
*Emilia's voice trails off in the distance and Sasha's breath fogs in the cold air*
Sasha: Don't get caught! I hope she'll be okay... What am I saying...? Of course, she'll be okay. She's the toughest girl I know. I just wish I could keep up with her.
*Back home Sasha is with her mother in a dimly lit room cleaning the weapons they've managed to keep in working condition; along with the other parts and machinery that are used to build generators and other equipment needed. *
Mom: Sasha, something's on your mind. And don't try to deflect. A mother knows...
Sasha: I'm... ugh... It's Emilia. She's always ahead of me. She's better at literally everything than me.
Mom: You know that's not true. You're good at plenty of things. Your sister is just trying to be the best to guide you. She is willing to do whatever it takes, and you know that.
Sasha: I can do anything she can do right?
Mom: Stop comparing yourself. You and Emilia are two different young ladies. You just haven't realized all of your purposes yet. You are special. However, since you're both my daughters... I particularly am fonder that your hair is redder than hers.
Sasha: *tries to stifle a giggle*
That's definitely... something. I guess...
Mom: You know what I mean... You're both loved the same and your father is always proud of you. You don't need to 'keep up' with Emilia to feel as gifted. *Walks over to Sasha and places a hand on her cheek delicately* You have an unbreakable spirit. And the bond with your sister is also one of the best assets to hold onto.
Sasha: I love my sister. I'm not mad that she's ahead of me... she is 2 years older after all.
Mom: *steps away to walk out of the room*
That's my girl. Don't dwell dear. Your purpose will come calling soon enough. All of us have a destiny.
Sasha: You always know what to say.
Mom: I'm gonna go check up on your father. He's been working away on that generator far too long. He knows we have to get those parts before it can be fixed. I don't want him freezing out there too long. Dinner is in a few, so make sure to clean up a bit before, okay?
Sasha: I will. I need to make sure the weapons are clean first. It's hard to tell when I can barely concentrate or see.
Mom: *walking out of the room*
Make sure to wash your hands PLEASE.
Sasha: Got it mum!
*A panicked Emilia calls out on the radio receiver. *
Emilia: Sasha!!
*Explosions and gun shots ring out muffling her voice as the radio static causes the transmission to cut in and out. *
Sash-Th-they're- re!
Sasha: Emilia?! What are you saying? You're breaking up! What's happening?
Emilia: They're here Sasha! They found us trying to get the parts! They're all gone Sash!
Sasha: The team is gone. HOW?! Are you okay? Can you get back underground?!
Emilia: No! I- I can't! They'll follow me back to everyone in Downtown. I'll have to lead them away!
Sasha: No EM! Don't go! I need you here! Don't let them take you!
*The receiver makes hissing sounds, and Emilia is no longer heard*
Sasha: MOM! DAD! Emilia is being chased by the empire's soldiers! We need to help her!
*a sudden explosion blasts through the room. Sasha and her mother are sent flying and Sasha blacks out. Moments pass and Sasha opens her eyes to haze, smoke and dust. She's got blood running down her face and covered in scratches*
Sasha: Mom! *Coughs and tries to get a clear breath* MOM! Where are you?!
*She moves the boards from the room and sees her mother impaled from a pipe. She isn't moving. *
Sasha: No. *coughs* Mom!
*Begins to sob and freezes from shock. As the dust begins to clear she sees their makeshift home was blown to pieces and barely holding up. She decides to look for her father. She searches for him but there's only blood and dirt next to where the generator used to be. Only pieces of metal are to be seen. She realizes the generator exploded and her father was likely killed in the blast*
Sasha: I-I Can't... Why? Wh-what happened...
*Asking all of this as if she didn't just experience the most life shattering moment of her existence. Thinking to herself as everything is drowned out by the sound of her own breaking heart. *
YOU ARE READING
The Airship Oz
AdventureThe year is 5350. Dirt and steam. Airships and advanced technology have allowed too many fat cats to rule with an authoritarian iron fist. The Empire's service in the military is mandatory. Men and Women. As soon as you turn 12, you're expected to s...
