Beneath the City ✔️

Into the Web

I made my way through the east section of the Web, doubling back down certain paths to make sure I'd not picked up a tail. So far so good, but I couldn't take risks, not today.

By the time I had reached The Dome, it was late morning, so the centre was packed. Amongst the clamour you could hear street vendors selling their wares, children running, and angry cries after pickpockets. I looked up at the cracked ceiling, a few hundred metres up. One day I'd love to see clouds again, but until it's safe again on the surface, it's not worth the risk. I've never seen the sea either. Maybe one day.

I look around. Market stalls are selling just about anything, so long as you can afford it. Money's tight for everyone, especially now third tier magic's illegal. I'm no good at any other sort, neither are the others, but we scrape by on small jobs. I should be able to pick one up here too. I begin to walk round the edge of the dome, to see if I can spot CL. I keep my back to the curved wall,so nobody can get behind me. I look up to the floor above me, a bar, owned by some rich second tier magician. Most places are.

'Any news y/n?' I jumped, as a voice appeared next to me. CL stood right beside me, as though she were already there.

'Long time no see, what can I do for you' she inquired.

'I need a job' I stated. She grinned. and sweeps her hair over her shoulder.

'Sure, light a fire for me down in The west section of the web, you know Stretten right?'

'Yes...' I hesitated, 'but why?'

'Personal grudge, so leave this behind too' she said, handing me a metal disc with her initials on.

'How much do I get?'

'How's 800 in silver?' I almost gasped. That'd last months if we were careful.

'I'll take it'

Before I headed off I sold of some potions keeping the fire one for the job. I only made coppers, but it's enough for a good supper. Jin will be glad, he's always the most upset about food. I paused for a moment, to look at the trinkets on an old man's little table. Little sculptures like roses and feathers lie haphazardly across the table. He smiled up at me genially.

'One for the pretty lady.' He croaked, holding out a silver clip with a shell attached.

'I'm sorry, I don't have any money' I replied. I felt a bit bad. His wares were beautiful, but he probably never sells much.

'It's on me' he said, with a toothy smile. I look at him, shocked.

'Thank you sir' he winked, and I walked away, clipping it to my hoodie.

After heading West I eventually reached the portion of the Web near Stretten. It's dingy, and a smog hangs low in the air. I wished Jimin was with me, or anyone. I pulled my hood up around my ears, and put a face mask on. I couldn't risk anyone seeing me now. I looked over my shoulder, and the street was empty. I could hear the pub Stretten owns already. It's surprisingly busy for a spiderweb pub, then tend to be empty, since they're away from the dome. As I approached, I could smell the alcohol, and pick out individual voices. Turning the corner, I could see it was full. I tried to forget the people I could hurt with the fire, and steadied my shaking hands. They were are magicians, they would be fine.

I took in a shaky breath, as I pulled out the potion and the disc. I hurl them as hard as I can through the door. Then legged it down the street as screams began to arise, and flames licked the brickwork, drawing its way up the sides, and curling like tongues out the windows, lighting the street up in shades of scarlet.

As I turned a corner, I stopped to catch my breath, and leaned against the cool concrete wall. I pulled my mask down, to help me breathe. I walked back into the middle of the alley, and paused to gather myself. I froze, as I heard a deep chuckle next to me. I snapped my head around. Right behind me a man had jumped down from the roof. He smirked, his eyes like cat's.

'Not bad girlie, not bad at all.'