Chapter 3: The Welcome

"Hey, did you see that?"

"What is an infected doing here?"

"I thought they were terminated."

Their words felt like icicles on her neck as she moved closer to Celestia. Everyone she passed seemed to avoid eye contact with her, always moving to the complete opposite side of the hall from where she was walking. She knew she didn't belong here, but she had no choice. She could hear Levi's words echo in her head.

"You will be moved to the Trainee Dormitory so we can keep surveillance on you. However, don't expect a hospitable welcome. Many devout followers and others see the infected as threats or even…the fallen of the light."

"Zeta."

She felt Celestia's soft hand rest on her head. 

"Be proud of yourself, it's not easy to convince one of the Five Cardinals to change their decision."

"Isn't he a devout follower of The Light Harbinger though?" she asked.

"In some ways he is, after all, a Cardinal serves as a harbinger's messenger and enforcer to the people. However, Levi cares about strength and will just as equal to that of the rules. You showed him that you are willing to take a risk, even if it may cost your life. "

She gave a small laugh, "It seems like you two are close."

"We've had our fair share of experiences with one another," Celestia smiled back as the doors opened before them.

"Here we are."

Pillars of marble stretched above them as light flew in from the glass ceiling above. Surprisingly, it wasn't what she had been expecting after seeing The Master Diviner's office. Vines and shrubbery lined themselves among the edges of the upper white floors as little white birds soared across the hall, their chirps singing their arrival. It almost reminded her of a ruin of sorts. She could spot dozens of trainees roaming among the floors above her, all wearing a white uniform. A large fountain stood behind the receptionists desk as they approached the staff member.

"Greetings Celestia, here to check in on the trainees again?"

"Not this time I'm afraid," Celestia smiled as she waved at a couple of trainees in the distance who waved at her, "I'm here to talk with the Headmaster regarding a…special trainee admission."

"Understood, the Headmaster has some private topics he would like to discuss with you first if you'll follow me."

Celestia looked back at Zeta with uncertainty.

"Please, go ahead," Zeta said, "I'll wait here."

"Alright, I'll be back shortly."

For a training facility, it felt odd to see such serenity in the atmosphere. The way the natural landscape merged with the polished white interior of the building seemed unreal, like she was in another world. The sound of chirping nearby caught her attention as she noticed a feathery head watching from the bushes, tilting its head as if she weren't like any of the other humans that lived here. Zeta knelt down towards it as the bird eyed her with its silent gaze. It wasn't like the other birds. Blue instead of white, its ruby eyes kept watch of her as she extended her hand towards it.

"Hello little one, are you stuck?" she asked.

The bird lowered its head hesitantly as she gently reached her hands towards it. She reached into the bush, pushing the branches that trapped the bird's wings as she cupped her hands around it. Lifting the bird out, she admired the way the light shined on its wings, like waves surfing upon the sea. She winced as she noticed the red tears and scratches on the inside of the bird's wings. 

"Let's see if we can get you some help," she said, looking around as she noticed a group of trainees in the distance walking towards her.

"Excuse me!" she waved, "Can you tell me-"

A tingling sensation flashed through her body as she turned around and ducked, covering the bird with her body as she felt objects fly past her.

"Hey, what the hell!" she shouted.

"Shut it! What is an Infected like you doing in this place?"

Moving from the group, a young man took the lead as stomped forward, stopping in front of her. A jagged thin scar ran diagonally across his one eye as the other was slightly hidden beneath strands of his ginger hair. His nose was pointed up as he stared her down, sucking the air between his teeth as he spat on her foot.

"Do you know where you are right now, Infected? You are in violation of major safety protocols by being here," he sneered, "Even more so, you are still alive which goes against the Sentinel code."

She glanced down, noticing his hand as a silver barrel gleamed at his side, humming with energy.

"Why don't I escort you out?" he whispered.

Before she could react, a screech from above diverted their attention as they looked up. Emerging from the light, a pair of large talons descended upon the young man as he yelled out in pain, the silver pistol clattering onto the floor. Blue with a yellow beak, it almost looked like a bigger version of the bird she carried in her hand.

"Ow get off! Someone, get it off me!" the young man shouted, swinging his hands above his head as the bird pecked his head while flapping its wings in his face. 

A high pitch whistle sounded, echoing in the halls as the bird ended its relentless assault. Taking off once more, its wings glittered like stars as it snatched the gun with its talons and soared behind her. She watched as the bird dropped the gun, spiraling through the air as a hand snatched it. A girl stood there, dressed in the same trainee uniform. Zeta's eyes widened as she noticed the black silk wrapped around their eyes. Was this girl blind?

"Nice weapon Dante, care to explain what a light pistol is doing outside the training area?"

Her voice was soft, but her words stuck to him like a target. Zeta watched as the girl approached Dante swiftly, her long brown hair flowing behind her.

Dante's eyes hardened as he wiped the blood that dripped off his forehead, "Well hey there Iris, didn't know The Abundant were protecting creatures of The Nihility."

The gun glowed in her hand as her fingers ran alongside it.

"This has nothing to do with The Abundant, I'm merely intervening to ensure peace," she said.

"By protecting this…abomination!" he pointed at Zeta, "You know how dangerous the Infected are. You are breaking the Sentinel code by interfering with our duty."

A click followed by a dying hum sounded as the light from the gun faded. A white crystal popped out from the cartridge and into the girl's hand as she handed the gun back to him.

"This girl, even if an Infected," she said, "is currently under the protection of one of the Five Cardinals."

Shock filled the hall as whispers floated in the air. Their little commotion had attracted many as Zeta could feel their gazes upon her.

"What?" Dante stepped back, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Iris speaks true."

The crowd of spectators rose, crossing their hands and locking their thumbs against their chest as a bulky figure walked into the light, Celestia beside him. His beard was scruffy and his brown hair seemed messy, yet a light gleamed in his vibrant blue eyes, a comforting sense of confidence coming from them. The badges on his chest twinkled in the light as he placed his hands on his hips.

"While many of you might not like it," his voice boomed, "this young lady shall be your comrade for the next few months. We treat our own with respect, regardless of their circumstance."

"It is our duty as Sentinels to eliminate the threat of The Nihility," Celestia said, watching the lips of the crowd, "but it is also our duty to lead people to the light. Zeta here has shown that even the Infected can still be given the chance, so please, treat her as you would your brothers and sisters in arms."

The crowd began to dissipate, yet Zeta could still notice the whispers that lingered. She turned towards Iris who was petting the large bird that sat on her arm.

"Thank you for your help back there…I'm sorry for causing trouble for you, but can you tell me where a medical center is?"

Iris looked down.

"What's in your hand?"

She lifted her hand revealing the injured bird. The bird on Iris's arm chirped loudly as it reached its head down, rubbing it against the little bird. 

"I can help," Iris replied, placing her palm above the bird.

 A gold light emanated from her palms, dripping and coating itself around the wounds like honey. She could feel a sense of warmth radiating from the bird, its rapid pulse becoming calmer by the second.

"So you can see," she said.

"The birds are my eyes," Iris answered, "but my sense are also heightened to where I don't need my eyes to see."

Slowly, the gold syrup began to change into a white substance as it faded away, revealing only scars left.

"And…done," Iris smiled, watching the little bird stand and hop around in her hand. 

"How did you do that?" she asked, unsure if she should be looking at the bird or her.

"I come from a…special family that specializes in medical treatments."

"The Abundance?"

Iris nodded, turning towards her. "My people are followers of the Harbinger of Life. What is your name if I may?"

"I go by Zeta."

"Zeta," Iris said, picking up the bird in her palms, "whatever your purpose is here, I do hope you understand the unpredictable nature that you possess. The powers of Nihility are not to be taken lightly."

The question had been lingering in her head ever since arriving here. The change in her appearance, the unsettling feeling in her chest, the snap of energy she felt coursing through her body, and the way everyone around her seemed to look away.

"Iris, what is The Nihility?"

The little bird in her hand took off, faltering at first but slowly soaring high into the rays of sunlight.

"It is the personification of the void, a bringer of death and destruction in order to achieve the ultimate peace and unity. Nothingness."