After barely surviving a week of exams and mad security guards, I set off on my walk. Fridays are the days of relief, relaxation, and sometimes hope. It can also be vice versa, with people being energetic on Mondays but being out of the blue on Fridays. Either way, Fridays were usually a time of silence for me. So I decided to make a stop for that “one place” today. 

I waited by the bus stop to travel to an old town by the hillsides. Compared to earlier, there was more of a breeze now and the sun hid behind an army of clouds. A couple of black dots formed near my feet on the concrete. Hopefully, it wasn’t going to pour too much since my plans would be ruined. That same thought was then followed by the hissing sound of clean energy fuel. The bus’s doors welcomed me inside as it descended a little for easier access. 

“Where are you heading?” asked the bus driver. 

The hesitation was so real at that moment. “New Northgate.” The driver nodded at me. I tapped my phone to pay the fee and got on board. Being a little shy, I sat in the back, even with available seats in the middle of the bus. With no one calling dibs for the window, I took that spot and just stared aimlessly out. Though I didn’t expect my seat to be reserved for a surprising armored guest. 

“Hey kid!” ferociously said the guard. “This seat is reserved for Unitarian Guards only. May I see your Identification?” 

Is that even an excuse to ask for I.D. “Just out of curiosity, why did you immediately ask for my I.D?” 

“Because you were defying one of the regulations set by the Unitarian Guard’s Metro division. As a safety precaution, I ask that you show me your identification.” 

I really didn’t see the sign since it was small and its blue colors blended with the wall. When this guy said he was with the Unitarian Guard, it got me thinking for a moment. I have heard of them on the news and Instagram, but its been a while since one approached me. Their blue and white armor platings, dark helmet visor, and radio-like speech could send a chill down anyone’s spine. Yet for some reason, I found a sense of comfort sometimes. Though his words still annoyed me since it's not like I was trying to take his seat. Just as I was about to explain to the Guard, “that man” ended up showing up. 

“Ah, there you are kid, I’ve been looking for you! It's not nice to leave your old man behind you know. Glad you saved my spot on time!” The new guy said who had just stepped onto the bus. 

The Unitarian Guard turned around and saw he who had an Astral Impact shirt with a beautiful, Japanese, Kitsune Shrine Maiden on it. Honestly, that was the least weird thing I’ve seen all week. Compared to getting rag-dolled by Caesar, this was harmless, to a degree. I recognized the character on it as she was the latest banner up on Astral Impact, a gacha game. Though the last thing I needed was to be associated with another fellow gacha gamer, a grown one especially. “Who the hell are you? And how do you know this guy?” demanded the Untiarian Guard.

“He’s my kid, isn’t that right Jak?” the man asked. He was one letter away from revealing my identity. If he’s a video game fanatic, then maybe he was using a character name. It was still so weird, though.

“Uh, yeah, Dad…” I was really bad at this, my palms began sweating under my sweater’s sleeves. I don’t want to get into trouble with the Guard, plus he probably thinks I’m a gacha simp or something. I mean yeah there are a few female characters I like from the game but this is still embarrassing. 

The Guard looked at me and turned back to the man. “Then if you don’t mind, may I see your identification sir.” he asked seriously.

“Here you go, scan away.” The man gave me a wink, but why exactly was he doing this? I’d never seen him before up until this point. Plus I don’t think he’s anyone Mom could know. At least I hoped not, especially with that shirt.

After a moment of scanning, the blue light from the Unitarian Guard’s wrist vanished. Though the Guard’s eyes seemed to widen after the scan. “Alright then, sorry for the trouble sir. It’s good to see you.”

“Much obliged, at ease, soldier!” he saluted the Guard before they sat in another seat.

I was allowed to stay in the same spot but the man asked if I could move one seat over. He was pretty tall, not gonna lie. I barely reached his shoulder. My situation just got more awkward when the man started talking to me. “Sorry for what just happened. Unitarian Guards can be kind of a-holes at times. So what do your people call you?” 

Really, why ask for my name when we just met? What am I supposed to say, that I play Astral Impact too? “Jake.” The bus began moving as soon as the last riders got on. Elderly people had reserved spots in the front, along with disabled riders. The passing of trees and buildings always made me imagine a ninja running on top of rooftops. Soon the neighborhood was no longer in sight. 

“So I was close then? Sorry, I just said the first name that came to mind. That’s cool, names Ajax by the way.” He set his hand out for a shake. I stared at it and returned the favor. We then sat in silence for a moment. “You normally take this bus?” 

Man, he’s being really pushy. “Sometimes, what about you?” I asked. 

“Nah this is my first time in a while. My own car failed me a few weeks back with the smog check. It broke down like a poor animal. Now I have to get it fixed and get some miles on it. I’m coming back from a long ass day at work, and I'm on my way home right now, so that’s something special.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t happen to be from New Northgate by any chance?” I perked up. 

“Yup, I live with my daughter near the forest suburbs. She’s about your age. You know, I think you guys might go to the same school...” His words began to fade as I stared out the window again. My eyes just couldn't stop dragging back to that view.

The bus ride was 40 minutes, which gave me time to think things over. Has it really been that long? I wondered. New Northgate was a mildly big city with a lot of Forest blocks. As I headed towards my destination, trees, green scapes, and hills started popping up in sight, almost like they were real. They reminded me of the old town, a deserted section of New Northgate that remained untouched for memorial reasons. When the rains began their bombing, my thoughts flooded with memories of nightmare and light.