Idle

Chapter 2: Lead by Acts

The train was the only means of transportation in Idle. Trees flickered like pixels as the train sped to the next stop. People conversed endlessly around me as I searched the fields we passed. My work brings me out of the woodlands and into the center of the city every time I have to brief my superiors, or so they say. After my father passed, the order has been pressuring me to take over his position, but I don't follow blind orders. A dark haired man sat next in an attempt to gain my attention. As soon as his mouth opened, I placed my ear plugs in my ears and drowned him out with the beat as I looked ahead. As the train slowed and we approached the platform I noticed the pool of patrols at the entrance and posted near the passenger car at the front. Over the years people stopped questioning why the passenger car remained so heavily guarded and why the front windows were tinted black. It wasn't a far jump to assume that it had to do with the dead bodies that have frequented the train's comparents.

I use to hear tales growing up of the eyes that follow the solemn and that those lacking in life satisfaction, vanishing as if they were never really there. I've felt the brush of eyes on my back for years. The familiarity of those eyes have grown on me.
I can look back at the memories of my father fondly. He named me Ares after the God of war. I never got to thank him for that, but nobody ever challenged my abilities despite being a girl. He trained me to be ice towards anyone who didn't share a bloodline. You probably wouldn't tell based off the flower sundress what I can do, but that just makes it more fun. A wolf in sheeps clothing. The patrols nodded at me as a sign of respect as I passed.

The city was overwhelmed with the frantic, paranoid citizens. Only a select few knew that the mysterious deaths surrounded the train because it took place within the vessel. The Order remained reserved in disclosing past events that could impact the events of today, but I've grown particularly cautious in displaying my emotions around them. I dig around to uncover the things that are left out of those briefings. All we know is that there has been a monster at the boundary since before I was born.

Everyday the mongrel feasted upon her and inched near through the shadows surrounding the train. Their fair lady orchestrated every kill around the girl, but she never drew such conclusions.

They weren't the only ones watching her. A tall, brooding man slouched against the railing as the train trickled down the track. He would study the red haired beauty every time she rode. She never acknowledged anyone and stood in angled positions as if she was two steps from fleeing. They didn't expect her to fight or others to help her.

He, helped fight them off. He searched for her once the train arrived at the terminal, but she vanished in the crowd. She looked back only once to see the eyes of the monster's piercing eyes shift black. The smug look she gave it sent it aback.

When she transported no one knew her name or her legacy and she was okay with having that secret until she was finally cornered against a wall and searched for cuts and bruises. He oogled her with worry. She stood puzzled leaning against the wall watching him. "Are you okay?"

He peaked a immeasurable amount of interest from the mere look he gave her. No one has ever looked at her as less than her title, but not in pity, but admiration. She gently raised her hand to his eye which had been blackened in the fight and brushed over it. He was so soft. She needed to go before he realized what she'd done. She escaped his grasp not saying a word and began to walk off in pace. He looked down at the puddle riddled with questions.

"Can I just walk you wherever you are going? I promise to not ask any questions." She paused, nodded and returned to pace. He admired her. She looked so hard and calculating as she walked. As if something would jump out at her. He admired her on the train before everything happened, but she was covered by her hood before the fight. She was radiant. When she touched me it was hesitant and soft like she didn't know her own warmth.

I... I need to know her. I'd follow her anywhere. He didn't realize that he had led her to the Consulate. He knew if he asked her anything then she would shy away so he took a step towards her and she flinched, but allowed him to get closer. "I'm Dandy and one day you will let me know your name."

She stared at him adjusting her softness and said " I'm Ares. You'll forget me."
He waited everyday after that for her to get on the train until against his better judgement he went back to the Consulate. He could actually walk through the gate. He had tried when he was younger, but it never worked. Seeing her lean against the tree sound asleep made him want to protect her and care for her.

She felt his presence and let him come near her. Tired, but still guarded. He layed her head down on his lap and used his jacket to cover her. He stroked her hair until she couldn't refrain from sleep any longer. When she woke up she found him sleep against the tree. As the sun began to fade, the dreariness of the day began to settle in and she wandered back in doors.