Part 2 ~ The Messenger.

25 3 1
                                    

It is so strange. They have implemented and enforced rules to regulate Luxia. Constantly checking our creations, ensuring we make only simple items aside from homes... They even constantly check in paranoia the scattered locations of the people residing here. What is it all for? It's as if they're afraid...

A sudden flash of light surrounded me. I closed my eyes. 1, 2... I opened them. Home sweet home.
Oh, right. My garden. Umm... later.

They usually come around for a weekly examination. They're trying to figure me out, the mystery girl who just suddenly came out of nowhere. They come all the time. But I guess... I am fine with that. After all, I know basically nothing about myself, either. Just a fleeting memory...
I walked by the garden, taking little notice of it. I had business to attend to. I approached the home I had created and walked through the door. I felt automatically relieved. Even though living in such a damned and deserted place really took a toll on a person, having a place to stay brought at least some security. As I entered, I leaned over a desk and took a moment to examine my reflection in the small mirror placed atop. Wow, my hair is a mess. And so are my garments. I think I should change.
Closing my eyes, I held my stance and focused. In an instant, light surrounded me and my appearance changed -- from faded black to blonde hair, from my regular Luxian clothing to my more comfortable, dark brown tank top and light gray pants. I was more comfortable with this look, for it is what I seem to recall looking like before I ever came to Luxia. I looked at the mirror once again and tidied up my curly blonde hair. Hmm, alright. Back to work.

"Miss Tina."

"Yes?" My assistant rushed in from the kitchen. I gave her a little smile and waved. She relaxed.

"Can you check my mail, please?"

"Of course, Kaya. Would you also like me to check if your friend has left a message?"

"Yes, please." I made my way into the kitchen and was followed by Tina, who held in her hands a holographic tablet. She paced while switching between tabs. I glanced over to the stove. It was on, and upon it lay a pan filled with vegetables and rice. How sweet, Tina seems to have taken it upon herself to make lunch today.

"Kaya," Tina replied. "It seems as though Kraigstead had arrived at 21:04:57 yesterday."

"I see. Anything else?" Noticing garlic and peas on the counter near the stove, I grabbed the rice-filled pan and threw the remaining ingredients in. I gently tossed the rice around in the pan. I may as well do something.

"Just some notifications from Them. Locations submissions, regulatory measures, blah, blah, blah... The usual." Tina sighed and scrolled through the feed. "Oh, and..."

"And?" I inquired. I saw Tina change her expression into one of ridicule.

"Oh, nothing," she laughed. "Just another nonsensical picture from Kraigstead."

"I see."

Adding a dash of soy sauce, I finished up the rice. I immediately turned to face my assistant. "Miss Tina, I'm off."

"Oh, where to?"

"I must find someone."

"Interesting," she smirked. "Are you off to see the one who has been contacting you so often lately?"

"Actually, yes, I am. I have business with that man."

"That so?"

It seems glaring at this woman does not erase the gleeful expression on her face.

"Yes," I replied nonchalantly. "And don't get any ideas."

"Of course not, Kaya!" I have supposedly read her mind. Or rather, her face.

Tina dismissed the tablet with her finger. I decided I may as well change my outfit for the occasion, even if it was simply a meeting for business. I wanted to know more about Them. No, I had to know.
I began to gather focus and in a flash my garments turned to dust, just to be rearranged and stuck together in the manner of another appearance. For whatever reason, the first article of clothing that came to mind was a dress -- and mistakenly, that is what was formed upon my body. Even Tina was surprised. Surely she thought it was a date, but she had not imagined that I would have accepted that fact. Oh, and I don't.
What appeared upon me was surely unexpected. A sleek, red, sleeveless dress was created. It had one thick strap resting on my right shoulder, and the deep Scarlet fabric shimmered like billions of tiny, sunlit scales.
I opened my eyes, curious of how well the result reflected the image in my mind. Tina was shocked. I think I may have broken her. Whoops.

"Hmm... nope," I said. "Too much." Tina released a sigh of agreement.

I once again gathered my energy to transmute my outfit to a more casual look. I went with a navy polo and black jeans. My hair was tied into two low ponytails.

"Hey, Kaya, you look great!"

"Oh?" I observes my garments. "Hmm. This will do." I smiled and brought up my own holographic tablet. Retreating my glance to it, I scrolled through my mail until I saw the name I was looking for. There was a transport button attached to the most recent message sent. Without hesitation, I tapped the screen.

"Bye, Tina." The transport did not wait for her response, but I managed to hear a response as light surrounded me and I vanished.

"Oh, uh, bye, Ka-" Hm. She's gone.

Mellenia. Their grand creation. That is where I have been led.

I wonder... Who could this Takagam guy be? What use could he prove to be of? No matter. He is my only lead. And I am the only one who understands his scenario, as it seems. Perhaps he truly does need my assistance. Well, whatever helps. Other clients of mine have suggested I meet him. I see this as reason enough.
I happened to be transported right by a bus stop. Hmm, helpful. There was a smooth glass bench placed next to a sign that displayed the name of the street, as well as the streets the bus's route visited. Ahh, there it is. Ferenel Way. That was my destination.
Although the stop was but an intriguing sight -- and I do admit, it was very stylish -- the view of skyscrapers stretching before me was fascinating. They were all made of glass, all tinted a light shade of purple and blue, as well as some pinker colors and some being simply gray. My sight grew limited as a green bus with a thick white stripe approached. I boarded, noticing several other travellers sitting among the forest-green, felt-lined seats. I sat down. Oh, dear, this takes me back... It reminds me of... of that day... As we travelled along a more isolated road, even the view looked so very similar, with trees lining the road, and cars riding along nearby...

...Huh?

Something isn't right. It's almost as if...

Oh, no. I couldn't be.

The bus. It's stopped. No, wait, not just that. Everything has stopped. Just like...
I shuddered. What is going on? I froze when I looked out the window; the image outside was blurred. Suddenly, it became clear again, but it wasn't the same. I felt the pressure in the air change drastically, barely noticing my hair be released of its binds. I squealed when I suddenly heard the windows shut in chorus. I peeked over my seat and looked around. Nobody moved. Nobody blinked. Nobody breathed. But I sure as hell heard something. Footsteps.
Huh? Who is that? Someone appeared in my sight.

"Excuse me," I said nervously. "Who... who are you?"

The hooded figure that stood before me froze. The man pulled his shades down an inch and looked at me, his eyes wide in wonder.

"H-How can... How can you see me?"

Chaos InstallationWhere stories live. Discover now