Explosions rang throughout the city as the hums of aircrafts were heard overhead. One bomb dropped, followed by the whistling as it fell, then an explosion shook the earth on which a lone giant stood. It was close. Close enough to feel the heat, dampening the noise of the civilians that ran pass her to get away from chaos. 

Themal Yuw, a captain in the military, with dark blue hair and a braid on her left side. She wore a sky blue long-sleeved shirt, black pants, and work boots. The woman adjusted her clothing before staring out into the distance of the carnage. She couldn’t help but compare what she saw now, to how the North part of Dikuda looked before the first bombs fell. This area was not only known for its fishing docks and its fresh seafood, it was also the island’s capital. The memories of that time filled her mind before she snapped herself back to reality, and to the task at hand.  As the others ran away, Yuw pushed through the crowd, almost forgetting that she was with another person.

Wyse, the woman kept her jet black hair in a ponytail, with strands hanging from either side of her face. She usually would wear sleek black light armor, with matching clothing underneath, and padded points along the shoulders. But now, she only had a simple light lavender t-shirt on and loose gray pants. With no protection whatsoever, she looked practically like another citizen.

Looking back and seeing the woman only deepened Yuw’s frown. She saw her as nothing but a detriment, and watching her fall behind didn’t help. They rushed in together to complete the objective at hand, to guide any survivors to underground bunkers. 

Wyse caught up to Yuw as they pushed further into the city, dodging the shrapnel from explosions, and passed another crowd of civilians, ushering them to safety.  

“How many more are in this place?” Yuw spoke up as another batch ran by her, clearing out the building. “We must have gotten all of them.”  Her tone showed annoyance, but with the current situation, it went unnoticed by her ally. Wyse barely had time to respond as a building nearby exploded, and shook the earth more underneath their feet. 

The aftermath of the explosion toppled the building onto the streets. The two could only watch as it came down in front of their eyes, with it came the pleas and cries for help. Wyse ran ahead taking the initiative as the dust cleared, helping those that were around the building back up to their feet. Yuw, on the other hand, stayed back and watched as the smaller woman proceeded, knowing it was reckless to venture out immediately. When one bomb lands, clusters land nearby. To let the soldier go out is either a lesson to be learned, or a lesson waiting to happen. As the soldier brought those knocked down by the blast, as expected, another landed nearby, sending her back on the ground. 

Yuw ran up and helped the civilians, sending them towards evacuation. Once they all left the vicinity, the giant looked at Wyse, who was still recovering on the floor. ‘Useless. Everything was just fine before you came.’ Those thoughts flowed in her head as she extended her hand, picking the woman up.

“My gratitude.” Wyse said, “I heard a bomb drop nearby, let’s continue the search.” She walked past her and headed towards the direction of the sound. 

Yuw sneered at the woman, displeased with the soldier’s behavior, acting as if she was superior and always knew what to do. ‘You know everything, don’t you?’ The resentful giant thought as her eyes followed the woman’s motion. ‘Getting cocky just because you get to spend so much time with Ryahno, huh?’ 

What was merely forty minutes seemed like hours in Yuw’s eyes. Both she and Wyse continued to pull out civilians from the rubble of buildings. Hundreds of different people, children, and pets, all making it to safety for evacuation. The duo hoped the attack would end soon, with no sign of aircraft in the sky.

The team pushed themselves further into the war-torn town. Wyse led the two, rushing ahead and calling out to any civilians that were left. Yuw hung back, observing closely at the buildings surrounding the area. Heavily damaged, but still standing somehow, it was surprising how the bombs didn’t knock any of them down yet. The taller woman shook her head, remaining silent with the thought as she moved to help, still keeping her distance. 

After a few moments searching, it was then, the roar of the bombers were heard overhead. Yuw started to scramble for cover before thinking about Wyse. When she turned to her direction, it was already too late. A bomb exploded nearby, sending the smaller individual to the ground. The already weakened building shook with the shockwave, buckling with its weight, and collapsing on top of the fallen woman. Yuw tried to call out, but was unable to, the dust and smoke choking her, leaving her unable to speak, her own vision beginning to fade with it.