Chapter 18: Vulnerable
[[Location: Norad, District 5. Tower of the new age]]
[[Time: Night]]
The car ride felt longer than it should have. Arisa's hand never loosened around the jacket. City lights stretched and blurred across the window, smearing into long streaks of neon as the vehicle moved through Norad's streets. The hum of the engine, the distant chatter outside, it all felt distant. Almost muted. Like she wasn't really there.
The soldier driving adjusted his rearview mirror, his eyes flicking up toward her reflection. "We'll be there in about two minutes," he said. "Do you need any assistance?"
"No…" Arisa answered quickly. Her voice was low. She pulled the jacket closer around herself, slipping it back on.
It didn't take long before the car slowed and stopped. The massive tower stood before her once again. Crowds still moved along the sidewalks despite the late hour. Conversations, laughter, footsteps. Life continuing as if nothing had happened.
As if people weren't just screaming on a ship not far from here. It bothered her, that normalcy. How quickly the world moved on. But… She'd felt this before.
Arisa opened the car door, the noise hit her instantly. Voices, movement. The distant hum of the city. A few younger D.O.P soldiers moved in and out of the tower entrance, laughing, talking. Unaware. Or maybe just uninterested.
She stepped out slowly. The driver started to say something, but she shut the door. Cutting him off completely as she walked toward the entrance.
Each step felt heavier than the last, The moment she crossed inside, the shift hit her again. The lobby was alive this time. Far more crowded than when she first arrived. D.O.P soldiers filled the space. Mostly new recruits moving in small groups, talking among themselves.
Some stood around terminals, others leaned against pillars, laughing quietly. Everything looked normal. Too normal for Arisa's liking.
"—Oh, hey! Miss Sakarame, welcome back!"
Arisa looked up, It was Lora. The receptionist. Her voice was soft and warm. It cut through the noise in a way nothing else had. For a brief moment It grounded Arisa.
"How was your first day at the academy?" Lora asked with a smile. "You look exhausted."
"It was a long day…" Arisa replied, stepping closer.
"Well," Lora chuckled lightly, "at least you made it past the first day." She leaned slightly forward, lowering her voice just a bit. "Hopefully you didn't get caught up in anything after. A few D.O.P soldiers were called out to one of the cargo docks."
Arisa's expression didn't change, but her eyes sharpened. "Why were they called?" she asked.
Lora shrugged, tapping lightly against the tablet built into the desk. "Not much info yet. It's still fresh." She scanned the screen as it updated. "Looks like some kind of trafficking ring. Over two dozen people almost got shipped out. It's under investigation now."
Her tone stayed casual, like she was reading off a routine report. Arisa just stared at her for a second. Until a voice came from behind her.
"Hey Lora, I'm having issues with my room's Kleidi system—" A random soldier stepped in, cutting between them.
Lora sighed immediately, shaking her head. "I told you already, I'm not the person for that," she said, already turning her attention to him.
Arisa raised a small hand toward Lora, a silent gesture. Lora caught it, she smiled and waved her off. Arisa walked away into the flow of the lobby. The deeper she moved in, the heavier her body felt.
The exhaustion was catching up, Fast. All the healing from her fight had drained her more than she realized. Every step now took effort. But she pushed forward anyway.
She eventually reached the elevator and pressed the button. The noise of the lobby carried on behind her, voices overlapping, footsteps echoing across polished floors. But Arisa tuned it out completely.
The elevator doors opened. It was empty, she stepped inside. Already picturing the bed. Already imagining the silence. The doors slid shut, she pressed her floor then leaned back against the wall.
A slow breath escaped her, the elevator began to rise as soft music played faintly through hidden speakers. The gentle vibration of the elevator's movement settled into her bones. Her eyes slowly closed, and her mind went back to the day. To the cargo..
[[Location: Norad, District three. LV street, Live & Drink!]]
Despite the dark sky, light and music flooded the street outside Live & Drink. The bass alone was enough to pull people in. Deep, rhythmic, alive. Neon signs flickered above the entrance, casting shifting colors across the sidewalk. Laughter, chatter, and music spilled out into the night like the building itself couldn't contain it. Just like when Arisa first arrived, it never slowed down.
A D.O.P vehicle rolled to a slow stop along the curb. Inside, two soldiers sat in the back. One drove. And in the passenger seat.. Dawn.
"Surveillance shows those two entering here," Dawn said calmly, pulling out a specialized Kleidi. A holographic display flickered to life, casting a faint blue glow across the interior of the car.
Footage appeared. An overhead angle of the bar entrance, two men. a beanie and hoodie. Walking in.
"Detain them and bring them in," Dawn continued. "They're not a threat. This should be simple."
As the hologram faded, two more D.O.P vehicles pulled up, one across the street, another directly behind them.
"And if she's their commander?" one of the soldiers in the back asked.
Dawn paused. "We can only hope she isn't," he replied, closing the Kleidi. "If you encounter her. Contact me.."
"Yes, sir." The soldiers stepped out.
These weren't standard D.O.P. No white, no gold. Only black, with faint blue accents lining their uniforms. Their builds were heavier, broader. Their presence alone separated them from the rest of the soldiers. They moved toward the entrance. The closer they got, the louder it became.
The doors opened. And the atmosphere hit them instantly. Sound, Heat. Movement.
Music thundered through the space, a blend of techno and pop, vibrating through the floor itself. Neon lights cut through the smoky air, painting everything in shifting colors. Pink, blue, violet. Bodies moved everywhere. Crowds filled the center floor, dancing, laughing, lost in the rhythm. Others sat along the edges, drinks in hand, conversations half heard over the music. Some weren't talking at all.
A few women moved between guests, draped across laps, dancing close, teasing, laughing. Others danced together, feeding off the energy of the room. It was indulgence, and it was Unfiltered but alive.
The soldiers stepped inside, eyes scanning. Faint blue glows flickered within their pupils as they swept across the room. Analyzing, tracking. Searching. A woman brushed between them suddenly. It was close and deliberate. Her hips pressed lightly as she passed, turning her head with a playful grin.
"Ooo… did someone call in some men in suits for us?" Neither of them reacted to her, They kept walking.
She stopped behind them, rolling her eyes before flashing a middle finger. "You guys are no fun." Then disappeared back into the crowd.
The soldiers moved deeper. Eyes still scanning and searching. One of them stopped, his head locked into a certain direction.
"There," he said quietly.
Toward the back of the bar was a VIP section sat slightly elevated, partially separated but not hidden. Curtains were pulled open tonight, leaving everything in view.
The two men sat comfortably. Very comfortably. Their drinks were raised. Faces flushed, Both of them were drunk. Two women grinded against them, one blonde, one red haired. Their bodies swayed with the music, both were topless. The neon lights reflected off bare breasts and leather seats.
"So how much to close these curtains?" the man in the beanie slurred with a grin.
"I don't think you can afford me, baby," the redhead replied smoothly, still moving with the beat.
"You sure about that?" the man in the hoodie added, eyes locked on the blonde.
"Our boss doesn't let us go for less than six," the blonde said casually.
The man in the beanie laughed, hiccuping slightly. "Damn… Ericna really knows her girls' worth." He leaned in too close, his lips brushed against the lady's breast.
The redhead pushed his head back, keeping control. "That costs extra." but it only made him smile wider.
"That's them," one of the soldiers muttered.
"Let's move." The other said before they both stepped forward..
"I don't remember calling for exotic dancers.." The voice came from above. Smooth and Clear. Easily recognizable.
Both soldiers froze before looking up. Second floor on the Left side. Ericna leaned casually over the railing.
One arm resting against the metal, the other draped loosely as she looked down at them. The lighting caught her just right, shadows and neon highlighting her figure.
This time she wore a black one piece dress. It hugged her frame without trying, emphasizing every curve in a way that felt natural… Her presence alone shifted the room. Even from above.
But it wasn't the dress that stopped the soldiers.. It was her eyes. Neon pink, Glowing. Locked directly onto them.
"…shit," one of the soldiers muttered under his breath. "She's here."
They didn't move. Damn near didn't breathe. One of them thought about grabbing their Kleidi.
But she spoke again, soft. Almost playful. "Don't move~" And just like that, the entire situation changed for them.
Ericna leaned forward, now resting both arms against the cold metal rail. "Now…" she said softly, her voice carrying just enough over the music. "What should I do with you boys?"
Below, the two soldiers didn't move, didn't speak. Hell they didn't even shift their stance. They just watched her.
The moment didn't last long. A woman with black and white hair approached from behind, tapping Ericna lightly on the shoulder.
"Someone's calling your Kleidi," she said, holding it out. "No ID attached."
Ericna glanced back, taking it with a small nod. "Thank you~"
She turned away from the soldiers, leaning her back lightly against the railing now as she activated it. Even with her back turned, they didn't move.
A projection flickered to life… Dawn. Ericna raised a brow slightly, almost amused. "How the hell did you get access to my Kleidi?" she asked casually.
"Let them do their job, Ericna," Dawn said without hesitation. "Those two men in the VIP booth need to be detained."
Ericna straightened slightly. "No, no, no…" she said, her tone flattening. "I thought I made this clear."
Her fingers tapped lightly against the railing. "Any D.O.P-related issues stay outside my bar."
"This isn't a regular issue." Dawn responded
"They could be murderers for all I care," she replied coldly. Completely stripped of her usual playfulness. The air around her shifted.
"Don't make this difficult, Ericna…" Dawn said, his tone lowering. It was a warning.
Ericna's eyes narrowed slightly. "Difficult for you."
Silence stretched between them. Even through a hologram, it felt heavy.
Dawn exhaled slowly. "Those men are tied to a trafficking operation," he said. "And somehow… They got Arisa involved. They have information we need."
Ericna stilled completely, before turning around slowly. Her gaze dropped toward the VIP section below. The two men were still laughing, still drunk. Not even aware of the things going on around them.
"…Arisa?" she murmured, almost to herself. Moments flashed in her mind. The way Arisa carried herself. Those eyes. "…that girl is interesting." Ericna said in a lowered tone.
Dawn said nothing. Something shifted in Ericna. "Alright," she said finally, her tone smoothing out again. "Send your men back."
She angled the Kleidi slightly, gesturing toward the soldiers below. "I'll escort those two myself." Ericna said as she looked at the men in the vip section.
Dawn gave a small motion through the projection. The soldiers saw it, and obeyed. They began to step back. Ericna watched them for a moment, then her lips curved slightly.
"Unless you boys want to stay…" She added lightly, her voice slipping back into its usual tone, "and have a little fun with my girls~" A few women appeared behind her, leaning over the railing, blowing playful kisses down toward the soldiers.
One of them stopped, actually hesitated as he looked up at the beautiful sight. "Are you serious?" the other soldier muttered, grabbing him and pulling him along.
The girls laughed, Ericna included. As the soldiers disappeared into the crowd. Ericna glanced back at her Kleidi, the projection was already gone.
She clicked her tongue lightly. "Damn… he hung up on me."
The girls behind her began to drift away. Returning to the rhythm of the bar but Ericna reached out, catching one gently by the wrist.
The girl turned quickly. "Y-yes, Ericna?" There was a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Ericna placed the Kleidi into her hand. "Put this back in my office," she said calmly. "I'm heading downstairs."
"Alright," the girl nodded. Ericna didn't wait. She turned and started toward the stairs.
Both men were too caught up to notice anything else happening around them. The music. The crowd. Even the shift in the room. None of it mattered.
All they saw were the women. And the drinks in their hands. "Fuck it… let's just pay them," the one in the beanie blurted out, his words slurred.
The red haired girl laughed lightly, still moving to the rhythm. "You sure you wanna spend that kind of money?" the one in the hoodie muttered, glancing at him.
The beanie wearing man grinned. "I know you want to," he said, nudging him slightly.
Then the movement stopped. Both girls suddenly froze. It was subtle at first. But enough for the men to notice.
Their brows furrowed in confusion as they looked up at them. The girls weren't smiling anymore, they looked.. Nervous.
Slowly, the men followed their gaze. And saw her.. Ericna. Standing at the entrance of the VIP section. Watching them.
The shift was immediate. The girls quickly grabbed at their clothing, covering themselves as they stepped away, brushing past Ericna with quiet urgency.
Neither of them dared meet her eyes. Ericna didn't even look at them. The two men exchanged a glance. Then looked back at her.
"Don't tell me you came in here for us," the one in the hoodie said, forcing a grin.
"If that's the case…" the beanie one added, eyes dragging over her, "we hit the jackpot."
Ericna's lips curved slightly. "I bet you two would like that," she said lightly as she stepped closer to them.
Both men straightened slightly without even realizing it. "Can you both stand up for me?" she asked.
No hesitation, They stood. "Follow me." She turned and walked out of the booth.
They hesitated this time, only a second. Confusion flickering between them but they still followed. The deeper they moved through the bar, the more the noise returned. Music, Voices, Heat. But something felt off now. Different.
The excitement they had just moments ago, started to fade. Then they saw where she was leading them. The exit. Their steps slowed slightly, a glance passed between them again. This time an uneasy one.
"Uh… did we do something wrong, Ericna?" the one in the beanie asked, his voice no longer as confident.
Ericna didn't stop walking. "Unfortunately… yeah," she said calmly. She pushed the door open slightly, letting the cool night air bleed in.
"This time," she continued, glancing back at them, "you involved someone I know… in that fucked up business of yours."
Both men froze, those words hit harder than expected. They looked at each other, trying to piece it together. Running through faces. Names, but nothing popped up.
Ericna stopped just before stepping outside. Turning fully now, facing them. "The D.O.P is waiting out there," she said plainly. "And I'm choosing not to save you this time."
Silence followed for a moment. "…I fucking told you," the one in the hoodie snapped suddenly, turning on his friend. "I told you this was gonna bite us in the ass."
"Now we're both fucked." The beanie wearing man cursed under his breath.
Neither of them ran. Neither of them fought. They knew who they were standing in front of, and what that meant. Ericna simply watched them. She seemed unbothered.
As Ericna stepped through the doors, immediately light flooded over her. Dozens of D.O.P beams locked onto her frame at once, cutting through the night. The street was no longer just a street, it was a secured perimeter.
Vehicles lined both sides. Engines idling, doors open. At least a dozen of them. Soldiers were everywhere.
Some in standard white D.O.P attire, others in heavier gear, positioned with clear intent. The air itself felt tighter.
Dawn stood at the center of it all. Seemingly Composed. The two black uniformed soldiers stood just behind him. Watching.
Ericna didn't stop. She walked forward slowly and unbothered, her heels tapping lightly against the pavement.
Behind her, the two men followed. They weren't resistancing, Not even attempting to run. As they approached, the soldiers behind Dawn moved in. Quick and precise.
They grabbed both men, forcing their arms back before snapping restraints onto their wrists. The cuffs sealed instantly, shifting and molding into place, a faint blue aura flickering as they locked in.
Dawn's gaze stayed on Ericna. "How did you manage that?" he asked.
Ericna stepped closer, her expression relaxed. "They're probably more scared of me than they are of you."
Dawn didn't respond.. Ericna's eyes drifted across the scene. The vehicles, the soldiers, the perimeter. All of it.
Then she looked back at him. "Aww…" she said lightly, tilting her head just a bit. "Was all this for me~?"
"We were prepared for other outcomes," Dawn replied. Ericna let out a quiet chuckle.
"I expect to still see you in class tomorrow," Dawn added.
She smiled. Ericna lifted both thumbs up playfully. Then turned, walking back toward the bar like nothing had happened.
Some of the D.O.P soldiers watched her as she passed. Dawn turned away as well, heading toward one of the vehicles. "We were successful in detaining both subjects," he said, addressing the unit. "Resume standard operations."
The response was immediate. Soldiers moved with practiced coordination, dispersing to their positions, loading back into vehicles, shutting down the perimeter. The street began to breathe again.
Dawn stepped into the vehicle alongside the two black uniformed soldiers, and the two captured men. The doors shutting behind him. But just before the vehicle pulled off, one of the soldiers spoke.
"…Commander," he said cautiously, glancing toward the bar. "I don't think that's a bar."
Dawn didn't even turn his head. "We know." He paused lightly, "But that's what she calls it. So we leave it at that."
And just like that they were gone. As quickly as they arrived. The lights faded, the noise returned. And the street…Went back to normal.
[[Location: Norad, District 5. Tower of the new age]]
Traffic never really slowed in the district. Even this late, the space in front of the tower stayed alive. Crowds moving in steady currents, a mix of D.O.P soldiers and everyday citizens blending together in routine motion. Conversations overlapped, footsteps echoed against the polished walkways, and the tower itself loomed above it all, its glass exterior reflecting the city's endless glow.
Among the crowd, Two parents walked side by side. Their hands clasped around their daughter's. She wasn't fully human, her features were different. But to them, that didn't matter. Each time they reached a crack in the pavement, they lifted her gently. Up and over. Her laughter rang out every time. Light, carefree.
Until a faint green glow brushed across the top of her head. She paused and looked up. Her eyes widened.
"Mom… dad! Look!" She pointed.
Both parents followed her gaze, and immediately tensed. Without a word, they pulled her closer, their pace quickening. Not quite running, but no longer relaxed. The girl kept looking up.
Others began to notice, heads tilted, conversations cut short. Some people slowed while others stepped back. Some… started to run.
The glow grew stronger and brighter. It painted the tower's surface in shifting emerald light, reflecting across windows, metal, and the street below. The sky itself seemed darker around it, making the color burn even sharper against the night.
Then it came into full view. A dragon, Massive. Emerald. Its body cut through the air with impossible speed, scales shimmering like fractured light. Its body stretched long, each turn sending subtle ripples through the air below.
It wasn't flying, it was descending. Directly toward the tower… Panic spread in waves. People scattered, clearing the area instinctively. Some stumbled, others grabbed whoever they could and ran. A few stayed, frozen in place.
Others. Pulled out their Kleidi's.. D.O.P soldiers reacted instantly. Weapons came up, aimed and Ready. But stopped one by one. The dragon dropped lower, it was getting closer. Its presence alone pressed against the air, heavy, overwhelming.
Its mouth opened. And a deep, ethereal roar tore through the street. Not just heard but felt. It rang through bone. It was coming straight down toward the sidewalk.
Everyone cleared out fast, the street opened completely. Nearly Empty but Just in time before it made impact.The dragon crashed into the ground with explosive force, the concrete buckling beneath it. A surge of green light erupted outward, scattering fragments like glowing shards across the pavement.
For a moment, it looked like the creature shattered. Its form breaking apart into streaks of emerald energy that dissolved into the air. The silence around was loud.
But through the fading glow a figure stood. Their green eyes glowed through the night. Doragon.
He lifted a hand, brushing small pieces of glowing debris from his shoulder as if it meant nothing. Around him, the last fragments of green light faded into the sky.
People stared. Some were stunned while others began whispering. Some are already moving again, like they'd seen this before.
"…It's Doragon," one of the D.O.P soldiers muttered under his breath.
Doragon didn't acknowledge anyone. Didn't look around. He just walked straight ahead, Toward the tower. The doors opened as he approached and stepped inside.
The lobby had thinned out since earlier. Fewer D.O.P soldiers remained, and the energy had shifted. It was quieter, more routine. Conversations were lower, movements slower. The late hour was finally settling in.
Lora stood behind the front desk, mid-conversation with a small group. The moment she noticed him, she gently waved them off.
"Doragon," she called out warmly. "Hopefully your first day went well." She spoke like she already knew him.
Doragon didn't slow. "It was fine," he replied, his tone low, flat.
Lora let out a small sigh, leaning forward with both hands resting on the desk. "You and Arisa…" she said, tilting her head slightly. "Both of you came in looking like the world just ended." She studied him for a moment before continuing.
"What a time we're in. Power's about to shift to a new generation, and this year we've got some of the strongest candidates yet." Her voice carried a bit of excitement now. "You included. All chosen by the D.O.P themselves. You guys should be excited."
Doragon kept walking, his pace didn't change. "Until things change around here, Lora…" he said calmly, "there's nothing to be excited about."
Lora's expression dropped slightly as she watched him pass."…Have a good night," he added, not looking back.
"Goodnight, Doragon," she replied, straightening up again, slipping back into her professional posture.
Doragon reached the elevator and pressed the button. The remaining voices in the lobby faded further as the doors slid open. He stepped in but stopped.
Arisa.. She sat on the floor, back pressed against the wall. Her head tilted slightly back, eyes closed. Completely still.
For a moment Doragon didn't move, Then he stepped inside and pressed his floor. The doors closed before the elevator began to rise.
His gaze drifted down toward her. Why was she here? Why like this? And this late? His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her more carefully. Had Ericna taken her out? He drew in a subtle breath through his nose.
No alcohol. No trace of anything like that. But he smelled Salt, more like sea water. That only raised more questions in his mind. His eyes lingered on her face, still no movement. She might actually be out.
The elevator slowed and stopped. Doragon looked toward the hallway as the doors opened, he then stepped forward. Walking out calmly, the elevator doors closed behind him.
Arisa was now alone in the elevator, but only for a moment. The doors opened again, Doragon stepped back inside.
He crouched slightly, reaching out. His fingers barely brushed her shoulder. Arisa's eyes shot open. Her hand clamped around his neck instantly, fast.
But Doragon reacted just as quickly. His hand shot up, gripping her throat in return. Only Tighter. Arisa coughed lightly as the pressure set in.
"Calm down," he said, his voice steady as his other hand pried her grip away from him.
"Get away from me" She drove a kick into him, the impact sent him back several feet out of the elevator.
Doragon slid slightly, then caught himself effortlessly. His hand lifted to his neck briefly. She's fast.
Arisa stood, stepping out of the elevator immediately. Her eyes scanned the hallway then landed back on him. This was her floor.
Doragon straightened, rolling his shoulder slightly before speaking. "Sleeping in the elevator isn't smart around here."
"What are you doing on this floor?" Arisa shot back instantly.
"This is my floor too." His answer came just as calm and just as direct.
He turned and walked only a few doors down. Eventually slipping his Kleidi into the slot, The door slid open. A soft voice echoed from within.
"Welcome back, Doragon." He stepped inside and the door closed behind him.
Arisa stood there for a second. Processing everything. She rubbed her head, tension creeping back in. Then started toward her own room.
"…Can't believe I left myself that vulnerable," she muttered under her breath. More frustrated than anything.
Chapter 18: Vulnerable
END