Jeneria: Defenders of Ausmik

CHAPTER NINE - RISE OF THE XOMENCLATURE

They were untested and ill-prepared, but Jenn was proud of the army behind her. Every member of the Xomenclature decided to follow her, even the pale-faced woman whom had to be piggybacked. There was nothing left for them in the Outskirts, especially with the Imperial Mass's recent disappearance. They needed medicine, food, and, more importantly, a chance to live.

As each of them ascended into the darkened land, the Xomenclature had to shield their eyes from the barely visible sun. Jenn took pleasure in observing the Xomenclature's fascination with the surroundings. Some of them brushed their fingers through the blades of grass; it was almost as though they were entering into another world.

Jenn caught Alba staring into the sky.

"I haven't seen clouds since I was a little girl," said Alba. "They're even more beautiful than I remember."

"Alba?" said Jenn. "Why did you stay underground when you could have come out?"

She looked at Jenn and smiled. "I didn't want to."

"Why not?"

"Because there was no reason to. Yes, I would have loved to see the sky again, but I was afraid—everyone was afraid—even the ex-soldiers. We knew what was out here, and we knew it wasn't anything good. So we stayed underground where we knew we were protected. But now, there's reason to leave. And that's thanks to you, Jenn."

"Hey," said Jesse, with her hands firm on her hips. "I came too."

"Yes you did," said the woman. "Thank you, Jesse."

Jesse's face lightened. "You're welcome."

Jenn turned to Jesse, "I was thinking about what you said about the Guardians and soldiers."

"Uh huh," said Jesse. "Did you think of a way to get by them?"

"Not exactly," said Jenn. "But we could at least arm ourselves. We should stop by the Natal camp and see if we can find any weapons."

"Good idea," said Jesse. "That's exactly why you're our leader."

Jenn turned to find Alba and three others approaching her. They were a dirtied bunch, but appeared to be in good health.

"These are the ex-soldiers I was telling you about," said Alba.

"Pleased to meet you," said Jenn.

"Name's Jin," said one of them, offering his hand. His tight face extended all the way up to his slicked-back hair.

Jenn shook his callous hand, then turned to another of the soldiers.

"Keos," said another, bowing. His voice was as deep as her father's.

"Pleased to meet you," said Jenn.

"No," said the last soldier, a woman. "The honor is ours." She offered her hand, "I'm Charmelene."

Jenn took her hand and smiled.

"I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you," said Jenn, looking at each of them, "about the Mass banishing you to the Outskirts."

"It was a blessing," said Charmelene. "Our banishment was more than welcomed. I think I would've done something terrible, to myself or to others, if I had to spend another night in that city."

"Yeah, right," said Jin, slapping her on the back. "You would've died a grumbling old woman."

Charmelene plucked his hand off her like it was something grotesque. Keos laughed, so violently that it hurt Jenn's throat. Charmelene turned and kicked him in the chin.