In the Year 124 of Zhepher's calendar, the clear sky got split in two. The white scar rose across the sky, from east to west.
26th June 124
It was the 10th year of the foundation of the 'Base Camp-074', also called "The second capital of Xherns, Bhavalia".
The streets overflowed with laughter and music. The marketplace had turned into a fair, filled with the scents of grilled meat, fresh bread, and baked sweets. Even the street magicians performed openly, unafraid of being hunted down.
On a hill overlooking the city, beneath the only tree standing there, a girl watched the celebration in silence.
«It's been two days since the sky got split,» - she muttered as she stared at the scar above - «And they're celebrating instead of trying to understand what caused it. At this rate, the Federation of Nhaten will blame us for it.» - she said while keeping her obsidian-dark eyes fixed on the scar overhead.
«Let them have fun, Reema.» - Said a calm voice behind her.
Reema turned around, looking at the long haired girl, who was sitting at the white table under the same tree, sipping some rose tea from her cup.
«Ahjer! You're more aware than me of what will happen if we don't take countermeasures now!»
The wind swept through the tall grass around them as clouds drifted across the sky.
Then she noticed it.
The Xer energy fluctuations had changed.
Her gaze shifted to the horizon, observing those cultivated fields, those farmers, and the chain of white mountains that made the BC-074 a natural fortress.
Everything was the same, and yet...
...She felt uneasy.
«Cool thyself, Reema. Fate has yet to change.»
«Pff. Yeah, that really doesn't suit you.»
«Well, at least I'm trying to take my role seriously.»
«Yeah, yeah, sure, your high priestess.» - said Reema holding her laughter - «But thanks. It reassures me.»
She pulled out the empty chair in front of her friend and sat down.
«I still can't believe the people of Bhavalia aren't doing anything about that thing.»
«Just because they're celebrating the tenth anniversary doesn't mean nobody's acting. What do you expect a child to do? Or a baker?»
«Doesn't matter. It threatens everyone. People are supposed to protect their home. Their families.»
«Reema.» Her tone sharpened. «Not everyone is like you. Not everyone can throw themselves into danger for other people.»
«We're all stuck in the same city. We're all treated like outsiders because we're different. They persecute us already, and they'll keep doing it. Helping each other should be common sense.»
«I agree with you,» - she said. - «But you can't expect ordinary people to become experts overnight.»
Reema sighed heavily at those words, knowing that she would lose the argoument. Her eyes fell to the plate on the table.
«Look, the council is already searching for a solution, so do not worry.»
«They usually take ages to come to a conclusion... If only everyone could vote on it...»
«Like I said-»
«I know, I know, they are no experts, and they could slow things down» - Reema crossed her arms on the table and leaned forward - «but I feel like they are just a flock of sheep, with with no voice of their own...»
Ahjer looked at her sadden best friend and the earing that she was wearing.
«Do you remember the meaning of the gem you are wearing?»
«Hm?» - Reema straightened slightly - «What does that have to do with right now?»
«That gem is like you,» - Ahjer said. «It holds together… until it's pushed too far.»
«What is that supposed to mean?" Reema asked.
«You always push things too far» - Ahjer said. «Even when it would be easier to stop.»
Reema scoffed. «And you always assume I will fail.»
«No» - Ahjer replied softly. - «I assume you won't listen.»
There was a brief silence interrupted only by the rustling of the leaves.
«Have you ever thought what would happen after a choice you make?» - Asked Ahjer
«I have good reflexes, so I can deal with them as they come.»
«I mean consequences. You dummy.»
«Like what?»
Ahjer sighed heavily, her right hand pinching the bridge of her nose between her eyes.
«Never mind.»
«'C'mon, tell me!» - Reema insisted, leaning forward.
«I have duties at the sanctuary» - Ahjer said. «Don't think about it too much.»
«That's not an answer.»
«It is for now» - Ahjer replied, standing. «I need to go.»
And so, Reema watched her friend's back as she walked away, leaving her question unanswered.
She took a deep breath and put her gaze upon the scar across the sky, once again.
«What are you?»