A Reaper Reporter

The glow of the moon is nothing compared to the neon that sparks below it, flickering the bustling city into a new daylight as the night begins. The life of the city continues all the same with the preparations for a new celebration nearly complete. The mountains beyond will be unable to touch the great explosions of compact stars as rays of light will flutter across the inked sky after the storm waves goodbye.

Only a few hours remain until this celebration arrives to remind everyone that the city has grown into a state of independence. The Queen of the city, Azura, rests on a balcony to look at her city in excitement for the event that nears. She recognizes this annual holiday as a personal one. She has come to realize that her own self has become independent, and the need for others has been the only thing to wilt in the land she controls. She runs her hand along a polished rail, letting her white dress flow aimlessly with the wind, and adjusts the sapphire crown that was given to her after the idea of another Council was ceased. She softly inhales, taking in the sight of her distant city blooming with the roses of her garden beneath her. Her dark blue hair soothingly drifts with the soaring vehicles that overtake the skies above the storm, passing through the brewing thunder to land at a nearby rooftop.

As Azura gathers her agenda for the rest of the night, a masked, black-uniformed figure steps out to the balcony with pride and precision. A soldier of the Kaiyo, the figure wears a black helmet that doesn't leave a trace of the emotion that lies under it. The glass only reflects what lies in front of it and eats the light that stares back at its eternal abyss. Their outfits are simple with dark cloth and painted steel, and the design of their uniform helps them take bullets and crack skulls. Azura checks behind her to confirm a new presence nearby, but the glisten of the city holds her attention captive.

"Isn't it beautiful, Kyani?" She asks the elite, a blue diamond at the center of their chest giving away their masked identity. "It feels so nice to sit where we are. Seeing the neon after the rain hits as hard as it can during a storm and knowing that you're standing above it all. Sometimes it's just better to be on top, don't you think?"

Kyani stares in silence, and Azura lets a moment pass before speaking again.

"I feel like that's my life ever since I was crowned, though. It won't be long before something else comes to rebel, steal the throne, and take my place. It's not that I've done anything wrong, but rather that most find satisfaction in control," she lowers her voice, caring less that the wind is dragging her words away, "Control of the people, the money, and every little aspect of their lives. No one is truly free here, are they?"

Kyani steps forward. "I will not let you lose your throne, my Queen."

Her voice is muffled through the mask, but the sharpness of her words stab anyone she talks to.

"I know you won't," Azura answers. "God, I can't help but let myself ramble when I'm out here. You've got to stop me when I do that."

Kyani watches through the glass, and Azura stares into the black gloss wishing to find a soul.

"What is it? What brought you to me?" The Queen asks. The elite meets her at the rail and turns to her.

"I sent one of our elites to the location given by our Kaiyo friend," Kyani begins, "They have confirmed that what was said is true."

Azura gasps. "The Ikari are still alive?"

"Yes, my Queen. They have a leader roaming the city as we speak. I recommend that we send an airstrike on the location and eliminate the new threat."

"The leader. What is his name?" Azura asks.

"Ryker," Kyani growls. A moment of silence melts between them.

"Bring him to me," Azura demands.

Kyani nods. "As for the airstrike?"

Azura smiles brightly, looking out past the city.

"Release the Reapers. Consider it a preparation show, yes?"

"Yes, my Queen," Kyani finishes as she walks away from Azura and begins preparations. Leaving Azura to enjoy her time out on the balcony, Kyani weaves through the floor layered in shiny golds and expensive metals. The elite speeds through several hallways before finding an elevator, stepping inside, and rising to a higher floor that lies only fifty feet below the roof.