Aurora battlefront: Era of Salvation

I blinked awake, disoriented, my vision struggling to adjust. The usual hum of voices, footsteps, and distant locker clatters was gone. An oppressive silence replaced it. “Huh?” My voice came out weak, almost swallowed by the eerie quiet. The campus, once buzzing with life, felt deserted, like a ghost town. The stillness pressed in, thick and suffocating, making it hard to breathe.

“Where is everyone?” I whispered. The question hung in the air, a fragile thread. I struggled to contain my rising panic. My eyes darted to every shadow, seeking movement, a sign of life. Nothing. My chest tightened, each heartbeat hammering with increasing urgency. Kristine—my last hope—was gone. She had promised not to leave me behind, sworn it. But now…

The emptiness twisted like a knife in my gut. “How could they?” I shouted into the void. My voice echoed back, mocking my desperation. I clenched my fists, trying to swallow the growing dread. I could almost hear her laughter—warm and familiar, but distant, like a fading memory.

“Was it someone’s grace?” I muttered while pacing back and forth. Graces couldn’t erase people, couldn’t make them disappear without a trace. A chill crept down my spine. Unease slithered through my veins, coiling tighter with every second.

Then, the ground trembled beneath me. A deep, guttural growl resonated through the earth, vibrating up my legs. Trees swayed with force, and leaves spiraled down like dark omens. Birds shot from the branches in a panic. Their shrill cries pierced the silence. Dust rose in swirling clouds, stinging my eyes and throat.

“An earthquake?” I gasped, struggling to stay upright as the ground rippled beneath my feet. The vibrations intensified, pulsing with an unnatural energy. I staggered, grasping at a nearby tree for balance. The shaking stopped without warning, just as it had begun.

Silence returned, thicker and more suffocating than before. My legs gave out, and I collapsed onto a bench, the rough wood digging into my back. I sucked in a shaky breath, the tension still lingering, heavy and oppressive. And then, the memory surfaced—Kristine.

***

The final bell rang, sharp and shrill, signaling the end of the school day. Chairs scraped back against the tile as students rushed for the door. "All right, class dismissed!" the teacher called out, but the shuffle drowned out her voice. I grabbed my bag and slipped into the crowded hallway, letting the tide of people sweep me away.

Laughter and chatter filled the corridor as students made plans for the afternoon. I kept my head down, weaving through the mass, intent on getting home without incident. Then, a voice cut through the noise. “Come on, it’ll be fun!” said a boy, his tone playful but insistent.

“For the last time, I said no!” A girl’s voice, shaky with suppressed fear. I hesitated, the urgency in her tone pulling me toward the source. Rounding the corner, I saw her—pressed against the wall, her face pale, eyes wide with panic. A boy loomed over her, his grin smug and predatory.

“Pfft, you’re just playing hard to get,” he sneered, stepping closer.

“I said back off!” she snapped, shoving him with all her strength; her voice trembling now. “Why, you little—” His fist clenched, and his intent was clear. I didn’t think; I just moved. “Stop it! That’s enough!” I lunged forward, grabbing his wrist mid-swing. His eyes locked on mine, narrowing in fury.

“Oh, I get it. Trying to play the hero, huh? Talk about—” I cut him off with a punch to the face. The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, and the corridor fell silent. His body lay there, motionless. I turned to the girl, who was still pressed against the wall, trembling. “Take care,” I muttered, ready to leave. “Wait!” Her voice wavered, but she stepped forward, determination flickering in her eyes. “Let me repay you,” she insisted, her tone stronger now.

“I didn’t do it for you,” I said, trying to brush her off. “That guy was just pissing me off.” I made to leave, but she blocked my path, arms outstretched. “It’s common courtesy!” she declared, her voice gaining confidence. “Let me repay you.” I sighed, exasperated. “Fine. If I let you repay me, will you stop bugging me?”

A small, triumphant smile tugged at her lips. “Yes.” Without warning, she grabbed my arm and pulled me along. Her energy was almost infectious, despite the situation. We stopped in front of a quaint storefront. A sign, lit with bright lights, read: Neko's Cat Café.

“A cat café? Seriously?” I raised an eyebrow.

“What? I never said where I was taking you!” she smirked, holding the door open. “Come on, don’t be shy. They don’t bite… unless you deserve it.” Her grin widened as she ushered me inside. Warmth enveloped me, along with the aroma of coffee and baked goods. Cats lounged on soft cushions and climbing structures. A sleek black cat curled at her feet, purring with contentment.

“You come here often?” I asked, noticing how the cats gravitated toward her. “Uh-huh! This place serves as my second home. The cats here? They adore me. I’m their queen,” she said, beaming with pride. “Queen, huh? What’s your royal decree?” I leaned against the wall, fighting a grin. “Easy. All visitors must pamper the cats. It’s the law!” She pointed at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “If you don’t comply, the kingdom will banish you!"

“Banishment? Harsh,” I replied, amused. “Hey, don’t blame me! It’s a cat’s world, and we’re just living in it.” She crouched to pet the black cat, which purred louder. “Besides, these fluffballs know how to get what they want.”

“Cute,” I muttered, unable to hide my smile. “Right?” She glanced up at me, her eyes glinting with playful intent. “But you know what’s cuter?”

“What?”

“You, pretending not to be a cat person.” She pointed an accusing finger at me, her grin stretching across her face. “What? I’m not pretending!” I crossed my arms in a defensive manner. “Sure, sure. Just wait until Mr. Fluffykins wins you over,” she teased, standing and cradling the black cat. “Come on, let’s place our orders.”

We approached the counter, placed our orders, and took seats at a small table. The black cat perched on her lap as she stroked its fur, its purring almost a melody in the background. “Wanna pet him?” she asked while looking at me with anticipation. “No, I’m fine,” I replied, trying not to look too stiff. “You’re so stubborn.” She pouted, then her eyes lit up with mischief. “Wait, I’ve got an idea…”

“What are you planning?” I asked with caution as she got up, walked around the table, and set the cat on my lap with care. “There! Now you’re under royal orders to pamper.” She grinned, watching as the cat rubbed its head against me. “Ugh, fine, you win…” I relented, petting the cat after a moment of hesitation. “Aha! You’re now officially a servant of the kingdom." She trailed off, realizing something important. “I don’t even know your name.”

“It’s Rei. Rei Moutsuki,” I replied, watching her expression. “R-Rei. Of course!” She cleared her throat, standing straighter. “I’m Kristine. Kristine Lay.” She sat back down, her grin widening. “So, I guess we’re friends now, right?” I hesitated but nodded. “Sure.” Her smile widened in response. “Yay! Can I call you Suki?” she asked, eyes twinkling with anticipation. “Sure, I don’t mind.” Her smile widened further. “Awesome. You won’t regret this, Suki!”

[End of Chapter]