Equilibrium - #ProjectWomanUp

Eight

Kane takes me to the edge of our Area, before we reached the patrolled border. Between our Area and the next one, there is a strip of unclaimed territory. Meaning that, both Blues and Reds can go on this territory, so we have Warriors guarding our border.

When the Warriors see us, they salute Kane. It is odd to see people salute him – not because they don't normally, but I forget sometimes how high up Kane is. To me, he is simply my annoying teacher, but to others he is a well respected One.

Kane looks at one of the Warriors – he looks young, possibly my age or a few years older. He salutes Kane, who nods at him quickly. "I want a spare pistol, and a car" Kane orders. The young Warrior agrees almost instantly and rushes off to get the requested items.

"You have two guns on your belt" I whisper to him, confused why he'd need another one.

"It's for you" he replies. I give him a look of shock, and he continues. "What I'm about to do, Barbie, it's against the rules. I shouldn't be doing this, because by doing so I am putting both our lives at risk. But, I believe you could be a good Warrior. And good Warrior's need motivation".

"I have motivation" I say, confused at his words. I expect Kane to give me some snaky comment in reply, like he always does. But he surprises me.

"I used to think the same". He gave me a small smile, there was a look in his eyes that I hadn't thought I'd ever see from him – understanding. The guarding Warrior comes back a few moments later, handing a gun and a set of car keys over.

"Here you go, Sir" he smiles. Kane instantly hands the gun to me, and I pull his jacket up to slip it into the waist band of my pants. The young Warrior gawks at me, shocked. I had my hood close around my face – as Kane had instructed me – but this close he can see me. "Sir?" he worries, turning to Kane, "do you think it is safe to take a Civilian with you?"

"I'm not a Civilian, I'm a novice" I reply – tone hard and challenging. The Warrior's face brightens in almost awe.

"You're Barbie Girl?" he gushes, smiling giddily. "I've heard so much about you. Can I just say that I love you're becoming a Warrior, I've always said that woman should be able to fight".

"Thanks" I reply, smiling genuinely at him. It was nice to hear that people have believe in me. The Warrior smiles back, and we share a look. Kane clears his throat, looking impatient, and we both snap back at him. "Oh hush up" I wave at him.

Kane chuckles slightly, looking amused. The Warrior looks at me as if I am crazy – to him, I am disrespecting a One. But to me, I am simply irritating Kane. I shrug his look off, as Kane turns back to the Warrior. "Now I expect no one to hear about Barbie being with me tonight. Understand?"

"Understood, Sir".

Kane and I find a car – that looks more like a truck – waiting for us, near the gate into the unclaimed territory. I climb into the passenger's side, as Kane jumps in the driver's seat and kicks the truck into drive. The truck has no roof nor windows, but a sturdy structure and large wheels.

"What are we going to see?" I question, after Kane has had a few words to the other guards. They all let us out without further questions. Kane pauses, thinking over my questions.

"A lot of messed up stuff" he replies, "so be prepared. But, I feel like you need to see this".

"Why?"

"You still wear your engagement ring" he shrugs. I am about to argue about this, telling him that has nothing to do with leaving the Area, but he carries on. "You're still holding on to the old you – the Civilian you – which is completely understandable. However, to be a good Warrior you need to be fully invested in the cause to save your Area".