By Gen X
It was dark in the city. The night always brought out the more interesting assortment of citizens. The harsh noise of motorcycles exploded into the city streets. The noise rose over the distant sound of the public train track to become the prevalent sound in the city square. Urged by their riders, the group of motorcycles drove into the city streets in a spectacle display designed to intimidate the genteel souls into staying indoors. A display of power in the darkness.
Bright neon lights illuminated the small streets of Midgar. A curtain lifted in the night time, revealing a city as gritty is it was deemed noble, at least by it’s propaganda. The hour for casual wanderings was far past. The area would become hospital in the morning when the darkness wasn’t as deep.
Underneath the callous noise of the mechanical devices that were necessary for the city to be sustained, the soft clacking of heels could be heard on the stone streets. Aeris Gainsborough had never feared the darkness. Dark was merely the absence of light, and like all opposites, it was only a matter of time before the other made its presence known.
Yet, it seemed so distant in Midgar. The steel plates that hovered over the city kept air, light, and nature outside the unfeeling city walls. Yet, she knew better than anyone that there are never absolutes. Even now she could feel the soft aura of a naturalistic fountain as it’s green energy bubbles out from the earth. It was a miracle, this tiny stream of life, of energy. It was, sadly, also exploited.
Still, not all of nature’s beauty could be hidden. She slowly reached up to brush an errant strand of hair out of her eyes, as she watched the green mako energy dance for a few moments more before dissipating into the smoky air. She held her small basket closer to her. The flowers insider were not anything extraordinary but in the gritty city they were as rare as a winter’s rose.
The small walkway ended abruptly as it met the main street. The motorcycles were circling about and Aeris had to take a quick step back before she was trampled by them. The streets were far from bustling, but far from being barren. It was shaping up to be just another night in the city. Perhaps she could get some flowers sold...
The train bellowed once more as it rolled to a stop. However, gentle or not, it lacked the grace the two occupants riding illegally on top of the car would have liked. With a harsh squeal from the train’s wheels and a few grunts from the two men on top, the engine quieted. The sector seven train stop looked like the other sectors. Although despite it’s slightly worn but not run down appearance it was still an overall clean and functional place.
The train platform was bare, save for a two Shinra guards. The ever powerful corporation in Midgar seemed to dabble in every aspect of city planning and patrolling. It was little wonder why they were so feared...or was it reverence that people sought to put upon them?
The station guards puttered about lazily. There was nothing different about tonight, so they did their job with detached and uninterested aplomb. The two men atop the car exchanged looks. The younger blond man looked down at the station. No one had started disembarking yet. He nodded to his companion.
.to be continued.