The City of Ionia

“Can I change out of this?”

“Hell no. How can you reject this beautiful outfit I put on for you?”

We had totally different opinions on beauty.

I crumbled, rubbing my hands near my waist. “Well, there are so many people, and I feel so exposed.”

The night was young. Everyone gathered around a massive campfire that challenged the clear sky. There were a few viable stars, but not enough to awe over. People danced and sang their hearts out. Food was first served to the children at a rapid pace. I was shocked at the number of children, considering where I was. And it wasn’t like there were only a few of them. Fifteen children no older than fifteen stood in line with plates in their hands, babbling about whatever,

How in the world was a cult so lively? There were so many people that it made me a tad uncomfortable.

“Hey Jill, I’m going to be right back. Give me like… ten minutes.”

“Wha—You’re leaving me?” I reached my hand out, trying to stop her.

She turned around. “Only for a bit. Go ahead and meet some new people.” She left me all alone, surrounded by strangers.

All alone.

My hand slowly fell to my side. Everyone knew each other, and they knew everyone’s personality, weaknesses, and favorite food. Everyone enjoyed the current moment. It felt weird not having one to dance with, stand with, or talk with.

I swung my head low, heading to the corner of a tree just outside the campsite. Harley told me to meet new people. But how? Everyone was doing their own thing with their own groups. I would be an outsider if I intruded.

Sorry, Harley. I’ll just sit alone for the time being.

The tree was distant enough to see the others cheering away their worries. Harley told me campfire cookouts were an ordinary occasion. It was a night when everyone dismissed their fears and anxiety to enjoy life.

Easy for everyone else.

I collapsed onto the soft ground. It wasn’t chilly, but it definitely was warmer near the fire.

I hugged my knees to my chest, mumbling, “She probably forgot about me.”

I mean, I had a reason for it. After spending the entire day with her, I could confidently say that. Everyone enjoyed conversing with her. She had this bright smile and laugh that would light up the deepest cave known to man. It’s a wonder how she could emit brightness with such ease.

“Are you sure about that?”

“What—?”

Behind me was a woman of average height. Her brunette hair waved down both ends of her shoulders. Looking down, her back leaned against the same tree I was.

“When did you get here?”

“I’ve been here. You just never noticed.” Ruby pushed herself off the trunk, dropping her body in a lifeless fashion. We practically sat shoulder to shoulder at a weird angle. “So, what are you doing all alone?”

“I could say the same for you. Why is the leader sitting on the outskirts of her camp?”

“I’m not too big of a party person. I have to keep the people entertained somehow.” There was no enthusiasm in her voice. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be with Harley?”

“Harley ditched me, claiming to be back in ten minutes.”

Ruby chuckled. “Ya, she tends to get off track and do a million things simultaneously. But she didn’t ditch you. She just wanted you to act on your own.”

I turned my head around, facing her. “Act on my own? Meaning?”

“You’re like a dog on a leash, always sticking to their caregiver. She detached the leash, hoping you would sniff around and go about on your own.”

I sulked my head into my arms, muttering, “I’m not a dog.”

“I used it as an example. If you think Harley ditched you without care, then you don’t know her enough to be judging.”

Maybe, but even if she left me alone on purpose, it was a cruel move.

“Ruby.”

“Hmph, what is it?”

“Do you believe outsiders can live on the other side of the wall?”

She smiled vaguely. “What with the sudden question?”

“It’s something I promised my first friend. We live to be hated by the unjust world. To fall into the deepest depths despair had to offer simply because of our ancestors. She wanted to change all of it. She wanted to rewrite the world to thrive in paradise. So, I’m asking you again: do you believe outsiders can live on the other side of the wall?”

The distant sound of yelling and cheering was the only thing heard. The crickets weren’t out, the wolves never howled, nor the bird chirp their evening songs.

I guess she thought I was an idiot. Why did I even bother asking? While contemplating how stupid I was, she finally spoke up.

“Is that why you went to the house? To see the possibility?”

I nodded. “Ya. But it turned into a disaster.”

“Not to sound obvious, but we learn from our past mistakes. Next time you go, you better not hope it’ll end like that.”

“If there is a next time,” I scoffed. “My current self couldn’t even protect myself, let alone another person. I had to rely on luck to save me. How pathetic is that?”

She hopped onto her feet, standing over me in an unthreatening way. “My offer still stands. Join the Baraic Cult. Live under my wing. Fight for me, the people, the camp, and for yourself. With time, you’ll be able to protect yourself along with others. And I’m sure, one day, you’ll be able to push past that SCAR agent and reach the house.”

I stared at the lively brunette who towered over me. Join the cult? Be able to protect myself along with others? Was this it? Why was I so hesitant before? Did I believe that this cult would shackle me to their grounds?

No, they wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t do that. Ruby spoke so genuinely that even lies would seem true.

I could avenge Marshall’s death. Even though I tried forgetting about it, his image still pops into my head. It wouldn’t go away. I had to go back there for him. I had to go back there for myself.

I had to go back there to fulfill a promise.

“This isn’t a trick, right? Will I be able to get stronger?”

The night devoured every ounce of light available. The only thing reminding me of life nearby was the people shouting distantly. But even with all that, I couldn’t help but notice the most genuine smile ever.

“Gaze at the camp? Does it look like a petty trick to you?” She reached a helping hand up. I firmly grabbed on and lifted myself.

We returned to the heart of camp, where Harley jumped onto me.

“Where the hell did you go? I was looking everywhere!”

“S-Sorry.”

Harley could barely keep it together. I couldn’t tell whether her eyes were teary because she was worried or whether it was due to the smoke hitting our faces. But either way, I guess she did care.

“This is ridiculous. You were with Ruby this entire time without me?” Are you serious!”

“Who the hell is that?” I whispered while trying to push Harley off of me. Not that I didn’t mind the warmth of a hug; I just thought it was a bit excessive. I don’t even think she heard me since I never got an answer from her.

“My apologies, Jeremy,” said Ruby.

Jeremy? Wait, wasn’t he the same person in Ruby’s tent? How did I fail to notice?

“To make it up, why don’t we spend the night alone together? Just me and you and no one—Hey, watch it, kid!”

“Mom!”

A little child no older than eight shoved Jeremy out of the way and embraced Ruby by the waist. They exchanged a few words while Jeremy complained about whatever. Wait. Wait a minute?

“Mom?” I was in complete shock.

“He’s not my biological son. I found Quinn as an infant while cleaning out a bandit’s base. But I did raise him, so I suppose you can consider me his mother.”

“Goddamn, why does that rascal always have to get in the way!”

“Oh, please! You’re never going to win her heart.” Harley exclaimed, still hanging onto me.

“Uh-uh-uh, don’t underestimate my abilities.” He pointed straight at Ruby. “You protected me when I couldn’t, and one day, I’ll return the favor. I’ll win you over that way!”

“Ugh! That man’s pathetic.” Harley finally pushed herself away from me. “So, what did you and Ruby talk about?”

Five people huddled in a circle: me, Ruby, her adopted son, Jeremy, and Harley. There were so many more people at camp. Many I didn’t know. It was scary knowing my life was going to change drastically. For the first time, I would be part of a community.

I would be part of a place where people smile regularly. It was almost like a small dream. But it wasn’t. My heart was beating, and my blood was pumping. There was no reason to hide it, but I couldn’t wait to see how the days would go.

This was the end of my isolated life and the start of a new journey.

I showed off my brightest smile.

“I’m joining the Baraic Cult.”