Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 29: Last Light

"This will have to do..."

Acacius sighs, looking up at a tall oak tree. My sword is once more in my grip, making me that much more comfortable. I ended up dropping it near the stream when I was getting away from the seemingly innocent butterflies.

"Okay. Climb on up and..."

I stop as a familiar jingle fills the air. A parachute lands near Acacius, just three feet or so from him. The box is larger than the normal container, about the size of a book or maybe a kitchen plate. He and I share a look, the sun setting behind me providing the only light.

"Well, open it then."

I nod, leaning against the tree. Acacius walks over, bending down. He pops open the box with ease, his back completely towards me. I step forward, looking over his shoulder as he grabs whatever it is.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure..."

Acacius stand back up, turning to look at me. He holds a silver vest. It looks like it's completely made out of metal, steel from the looks of it...maybe?

"Is it metal?"

"I'm not for sure...it feels like cotton."

I reach out an grab it, gently grabbing the edge of the fabric. I gasp, completely surprised with how soft it feels. It's not heavy or weighted, just light and free feeling. As if it was just a cotton shirt that you wear on a hot day of work.

"Is there a note with it?"

"Yeah..." he hands the cloth over, holding up a slip of paper. "It says 'for protection - S'"

"Seeder?"

"I guess so."

My eyes find the cloth now in my hands, studying it closer. The fabric it's self is a metallic grey. It's tightly woven with a small, almost perfect stitch. It's cool to the touch, but seems to hold heat well. I hold it out, shaking it it gently.

The sound that comes off of it isn't loud like chains, but soft like a sheet flapping in the wind. Acacius watches me make my assessment. His eyes seem calculated, yet tired. I wouldn't be surprised if I look just as tired.

"Put it on."

I look up towards him, my back going straight. I can feel a tightness in my shoulders that wasn't there before. I immediately hold it out to him, the fabric shining in the setting sun.

"No. It was sent for you. You put it on."

"I want you to wear it."

"Well..I want you to wear it."

"Azalea..."

"Acacius..."

He crosses his arms, glaring towards me. I give him a similar look, one hand gripping my sword as the other holds up the metal vest. The sun dips behind me, causing the sky to darken above. I know for a fact that if one of us doesn't cave soon, we'll be standing here all night.

"Fine. But if you die, don't expect anything other than an 'I told you so...'"

I drop my sword, slipping off both my bags before laying them next to the silver weapon. Acacius smiles, turning and grabbing up the parachute and the box attached to it. He disappears around a tree as I slip off my dark brown shirt. If I'm going to where this shiny piece of cloth, then I'm making sure it won't get me killed.

A cool breeze blows, chilling my exposed skin. A matching dark brown bra is the only thing providing me with cover from the prying eyes of the capitol's citizens and anyone else who could be watching me.