This story is part of the Wanderer series.
Darkness. Void again.
A faint shape appears. Infinitesimally faint. An uncapped hole. A deeper void.
The void grows dense. The void grows heavy. The low, deep hum becomes intense. The surroundings rapidly morph. The surroundings violently stretch. Falling in. Falling. Falling.
Jolting, her eyes opened wide. She gasped.
It was night. Nozomi laid in bed on her back, blanket pulled up to her chest. Her grasping pillow laid limply underneath, between her and Rin, who snored soundly next to her, unaware she had roused.
Staring at the ceiling, Nozomi’s gasps quickly subsided. Eyes narrowing, she sighed as she turned over, drawing her grasping pillow tightly into her chest. The same nightmare.
Chatter filled the outdoor space. The sun was already well over the cloudless sky, bathing the island nation. In the limestone courtyard surrounded by lush green hedges, republic delegates and peacekeepers interacted before the grand hall opened for the day’s negotiations. Hovering on the sides, Nozomi and Rin aimlessly watched the intermingling men. There was a light air to the court, with a few chuckles and occasional laughter. Though some wore serious faces as they spoke about the day’s agenda, many appeared relaxed, conversing about pastimes and telling stories.
Ambling her gaze to one of the ingressing corridors, Rin idly crossed her arms. “We should find Karin and the others to talk before things get real.”
Nozomi did not reply, staring blankly forward. When Rin did not hear back, she turned her head to her.
“Yeah?”
Flinching, Nozomi returned her gaze with wide, uncertain eyes. “Huh?”
Blinking, Rin became uncertain as well. “Are you all right?”
Drawing in her lips, Nozomi diverted away, staring forward again. “Y-yeah.”
Rin observed her for a moment, then glanced at the crowd. “Nervous huh?”
Again, Nozomi did not reply, although her lips slightly parted as if she were coming up with the words.
“I don’t blame you,” Rin sighed. “Yesterday did not go well.”
Pressing her lips back together, Nozomi offered a quiet grunt of affirmation.
Taking a step to the side, Rin prodded her. “Come on. Let’s find the others.”
Grunting again, she followed Rin behind the hedges and down the sidewalk as they silently slithered out the courtyard, with no one offering them a second glance.