Shattered Symmerty

Chapter 6 Beneath the Surface

The air in Symmetria hung thick with an oppressive sameness, a subtle reminder of the city's stringent adherence to uniformity. The trio sat in their dimly lit base, the remnants of Meera's letter fresh in their minds. Sunaina paced restlessly, the weight of the discoveries pressing heavily on her chest.

"So, let me get this straight," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "We're supposed to believe there's a whole hidden history to this city? It's not just a facade built by the Guild?"

Jenna nodded, her excitement bubbling over. "Exactly! The decoded version of Meera's findings revealed so much. She mentioned artifacts buried under layers of lies, remnants of a culture once vibrant and alive. She believed these artifacts could tell us about the Saptamatrika-the Seven Goddesses who once guided this city."

Marcus leaned forward, intrigue lighting up his eyes. "What did the decoded message say about them?"

"Picture this: intricate sculptures, each representing one of the goddesses," Jenna explained, her hands gesturing animatedly. "Some are adorned with jewels, their features beautifully carved, capturing emotions that seem almost alive. They were meant to inspire reverence, not just for the gods but for the harmony that existed in the past. But now, they're hidden, discarded like secrets in a city that thrives on conformity."

Sunaina shook her head, her brow furrowed. "And here we are, living in a place where everyone looks the same. All of us sporting the same hair color and style-straight, shoulder-length black hair, slicked back neatly under uniforms. The only thing distinguishing us are the badges on our chests. You could walk through the streets and not tell one person from another. But look at the Outliers!"

"Right? They express their individuality through vibrant colors and bold designs," Marcus added, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "The Outliers are like a splash of paint on a blank canvas-each person is unique, adorned with tattoos and hairstyles that defy the norm. They wear eclectic garments that reflect their personalities, the air around them buzzing with creativity and rebellion."

Sunaina sighed, a mix of admiration and envy swirling within her. "I just wish we could blend in like that. But we need the uniforms to infiltrate the council."

Jenna's expression turned serious. "And we have to reach out to the Outliers for help. I know someone who can get us those uniforms, but we'll have to be discreet. They're notorious for not trusting outsiders."

"Not that we don't have enough on our plate already," Sunaina said, rubbing her temples. "We're already deep into something we barely understand. How do we even know if we can trust them?"

"We don't," Jenna admitted. "But we have to try. Meera's work showed us that the Guild is hiding something bigger than we thought. We can't sit back and wait for them to drop the bomb on us. We need to act."

With a shared sense of urgency, they agreed to seek the help of the Outliers. However, their interactions would be shrouded in secrecy. Messages would come to them in letters, often burned after reading to eliminate any trace of the exchange. Whispers would echo through the Guild, carrying hints and warnings from the shadows.

A Few Days Later...

The trio met at their usual spot, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. A shadow flickered at the entrance, and they turned to find a figure cloaked in darkness, slipping inside with a quick glance over their shoulder.

"Did you get it?" Sunaina asked, her heart racing as the figure handed over a piece of folded parchment.

The stranger nodded, voice low and guarded. "The Outliers agreed to help. They'll supply the uniforms, but it comes at a cost. You need to be prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Marcus inquired, scanning the parchment. "What's the catch?"

"They're watching. Be discreet. Don't reveal too much about your intentions. If you're caught, it could mean trouble-not just for you, but for the Outliers too."

"Got it," Sunaina said, the weight of the responsibility settling on her shoulders. "We'll be careful. What else does it say?"

The figure hesitated before speaking again. "The Outliers have their own eyes and ears within the Guild. They'll send messages when needed, but it's imperative you remain vigilant."

With that, the cloaked figure slipped away, leaving the trio with a sense of urgency mixed with a tinge of excitement. They unfolded the letter, revealing the details about their uniforms-a location to meet and a description of what they would need to do.

As they prepared to leave, Sunaina's mind raced with the implications. "So, we're going to blend in with the council, gather intel, and hope we don't get caught?"

"Pretty much," Marcus replied, smirking. "Sounds like a typical Tuesday in Symmetria."

Sunaina couldn't help but chuckle, despite the seriousness of their mission. "Well, here's hoping we don't end up on the wrong side of the council's wrath."

The Next Day...

Under the cover of twilight, they navigated the alleys leading to the rendezvous point. The air felt electric, charged with the possibilities of what lay ahead. As they approached the meeting location, Sunaina couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, the sense that unseen eyes were following their every move.

The Outlier gathering was vibrant, a stark contrast to the muted tones of Symmetria. Here, laughter mingled with music, colors burst forth from every corner, and the scent of spices filled the air. The trio exchanged nervous glances, their excitement tempered by the knowledge that they were stepping into a world foreign to their own.

As they approached the designated area, a figure stepped forward-a tall person with a striking presence, their attire a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. "You must be the trio seeking the council's secrets," they said, their voice melodic yet firm.

Sunaina nodded, trying to hide her awe. "We're here for the uniforms."

"Of course," the Outlier replied, their expression inscrutable. "But remember, this isn't just about clothes. It's about who you choose to be. The Guild can't hold you if you refuse to let them define you."

The trio exchanged looks, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders. They were about to step into the heart of Symmetria's deception, and each of them knew the risks involved. The Outliers were more than just allies; they were a movement against the suffocating grip of conformity.

As they received their uniforms, Marcus's curiosity got the better of him. "What's your name?" he asked, his eyes glinting with intrigue.

The Outlier chuckled softly, their eyes sparkling with mischief. "Names are a luxury we can't afford. Just remember, you'll hear from us when it matters."

With their new identities in hand, the trio headed back to their base, anticipation coursing through their veins. They were now part of something bigger, something that had the potential to shake the very foundations of Symmetria.

But as the shadows lengthened around them, Sunaina felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down. The Outliers were a beacon of hope, yet the darkness of the Guild loomed larger than ever. Would they be able to unearth the secrets that lay buried beneath the surface, or would they find themselves ensnared in a web of lies they could never escape?