The sound of a bird letting out an odd screech snapped Aisling back to reality. She found herself staring at the metal in place of her missing arm. A gentle breeze swept through the courtyard, the leaves of trees around it rustling as a couple fell to the ground. A single, wooden cross rested in front of a broken fountain, a lily growing on the uneven dirt.

       Aisling walked over towards the fountain and sat down, staring at the cross as she clutched the leather grip of an old, damaged sword. She looked at the blade, the reflection of her blue eyes staring back with strands of dark brown hair hanging down in her face. A small scar going horizontally was visible under her eye.

       Tucking the stray strands back into place, Aisling looked back at the grave before saying quietly, "I hope you're doing alright... Wherever you are. I never believed in God or anything but if you are with him, I hope he's taking good care of you." Looking back at the sword, she ran her thumb along the flat side of the blade, feeling the small chip in it from where she once used it to deflect a bullet. She added, "It's been a few years... Maybe more. I don't know. I kinda lost track. But, I wanted you to know that everyone is doing okay."

       Aisling turned her gaze to the sky before she said, "I don't know if you can really hear me or not but I promise that I'll avenge you... I've been training hard. I even got that battle stance you always complained about down." She fell silent before looking at the cross again.

       The cross had a pair of dog tags hanging from it saying, "Grace Arden O'Malley." The cross itself had the words, "Honored General and Beloved Mentor. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn For They Will Be Comforted." Aisling sighed deeply and rested her hand on the cross before turning around and walking away, the dark brown trenchcoat she wore flowing behind her slightly in the wind.

       Underneath the trenchcoat, Aisling wore a black t-shirt that was untucked from the right side of her black jeans. Her black boots caused her footsteps to echo throughout the empty courtyard on the hard, stone pathway to the city.

       Within the city, buildings were mere shadows of what they once were. Whoever wasn't killed years ago, had rebuilt what they could as they tried to return to what little of their past lives they had left. Nobody ever tried to rebuild the bridge, secluding them from the outside world as most boats were scrapped to help rebuild or just used as spare parts for other machinery. Aisling could still see the coast of Ireland if she stood near the edge of the water.

       The roads near the bridge were damaged by the explosion. Most people didn't have working cars anyways so nobody bothered with repairs. It wasn't like it was much worse from what it was originally.

       A damaged sign that was mostly illegible was resting on the ground near the bridge. From what Aisling could make out, it said, "Sorry," and, "Toraigh." The rest was too hard to read but Aisling remembered what it had said before, "Sorry to see you go, visit Toraigh Island again!"

       The further from the bridge someone walked, the less damage there was but the more dangerous it got. Animals affected by radiation lurked on the outskirts of the city, just outside of the checkpoints which kept them separated from the innocent civilians within Cosain. If one was lucky enough to make it to the next town, it probably wouldn't be much better than Cosain.

       Aisling made her way to a large post office that had Resistance soldiers in front of it. They nodded at Aisling as she walked through the entrance. There were more soldiers inside alongside civilians taking refuge from the approaching winter.

       A radio nearby could be heard saying, "September 27, 2082. Another Haven attacked by Anti-Resistance in Seoul, South Korea. Seven killed with twelve injured." Aisling noticed a group of people sitting around it, similar to how people used to gather around an old fashioned radio to listen to a baseball game.

       The radio continued, "In another news, in two weeks we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the end of the war known as The Blackout which lasted twelve years. Resistance everywhere will mourn the loss of family and friends as we rejoice in our victory against Specter. Society may cast us out but we know the truth of the war."

       Eventually, Aisling stopped listening as she walked up to a figure hunched over a table doing paperwork. Hearing the approaching footsteps, the figure looked up as Aisling saluted, "Commander Lin."

       The Commander sat up straight and said, "Miss Flynn, what do you need?"

       Aisling replied, "I was told that you requested me."

       Commander Lin seemed to remember and said, "Yes, I have a task for you." Aisling raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. Lin added, "I've been informed by a former Resistance member that Reina was seen in Buford, Wyoming."

       A gunshot echoed in Aisling's mind alongside Reina's wretched laugh. She narrowed her eyes as she clenched her fists, "I understand."

       The Commander said, "I thought as much from you. You'll leave be first light."

       Aisling replied, "I'll go now."

       "What?" asked the commander confusedly.

       The younger of the two repeated, "I'll go now. It's best to follow a lead as soon as possible."

       Commander Lin blinked, "But what about rest?"

       Aisling said simply, "Don't need it. Just give me the file." Commander Lin handed it to her, slightly taken aback by Aisling's offer to leave right away. She had expected her to at least take some time to prepare first. Lin then thought to herself, 'Of course she wants to go now. It's Reina after all. The person who killed her mentor. I suppose anyone in her shoes would do the same.'

       Without another word, Aisling grabbed her rifle that was propped up near where she had a trunk with her belongings. Alongside the rifle, she packed a small satchel with food before Commander asked, "How do you suppose you'll get to the United States in the first place? The boat I had prepared won't be able to make it that far. Let alone just to the coast of Ireland until tomorrow."

       Aisling responded, "I'll go to Bellheir Landing. It's a port city after all. It'll only take me an hour or two to get there."

       Commander Lin opened her mouth before closing it again. If she was being honest to herself, she was concerned about Aisling. She was aware she was a grown adult but she couldn't help but remember when she had first found her.

       Aisling had only been fifteen at the time. Lin wasn't even commander yet. Instead, she was still an apprentice under the former commander, Aedan. The teenager was being attacked by a few rioters, people who had been sent into a panic by the war. But, before Lin could actually step in, Aisling had pulled out a hatchet and took out one of them before the other two ran away.

       Seeing the young Aisling's potential, Lin asked her if she wanted to join the Resistance. It was then that Lin had found out that  Aisling was already planning to, inspired by the radio broadcasts the Resistance sent out each afternoon. Since the Resistance didn't allow anyone below sixteen to fight, the two lied about her age. From there, Aisling became a prodigy under Arden's mentorship.

       Now, Commander Lin watched as the teenager she once found alone in the street sixteen years ago was heading out on her own. Lin reassured herself, 'She's fully capable of handling herself out there. After all, she was already on her own before you found her.'

       Aisling slung her rifle over her shoulder before grabbing a set of keys off the table. Walking outside, she pressed a button on the keys before a motorcycle which hovered off the ground pulled up. It didn't look all that sleek but it got Aisling where she needed to go.

       Climbing on, Aisling pressed two fingers to the back of her neck, feeling the cold metal before a motorcycle helmet formed on her head. She revved up the engine before driving down the streets. She would use it on the water to get off the island but last time she tested it, it ended up crashing into the water.

       Soon, Aisling arrived at a checkpoint near the South part of Cosain. The Resistance soldiers there stopped her as one asked, "Where are you headin' in such a hurry?" Aisling showed her dog tags as they said, "Apologies, carry on." The gate opened, allowing Aisling through.

       During the war, Toraigh Island fell into a state of anarchy. The Resistance brought as much stability as possible, Cosain becoming the main hub as it was the second largest city and the most stable. They referred to it as Sector A.

       Outside of Cosain, the nearest city was Ardosa. It was only half an hour of walking from the checkpoint and relatively close to the bridge as well.

       As Aisling drove through the city, she slowed down when she recognized a building. She pulled over as she looked at the road. Soon, she saw a younger version of herself in the street from before she had hot pink air.

       The young Aisling had a fresh cut under her right eye where the older Aisling's scar was. She was confronted by two guys and a girl, all looking to be around their twenties and wearing torn clothing. The guy demanded, "Hand over the bag, kid."

       Instead, the young Aisling clutched her bag tighter which sent the girl into a fight of laughter, "What're you gonna do? Cry to your mommy and tattle tale on us? Come on, kid. Just hand it over."

       Aisling noticed a younger Lin approaching. She wore her braid around her neck like a scarf as she had her hood pulled up. Aisling watched her stop as the young Aisling pulled a bloody hatchet out of the bag by the handle that was sticking out.

       The largest man laughed, "Do you even know how to use that-" He was cut off when the young Aisling swung at him, the hatchet burying itself in his side. She pulled it out as he coughed up blood, kicking him to the ground before turning to the other two.

       Seeing the teenager cut down their friend sent them running before the young Lin approached her with a smile, sticking a hand out before the two faded away

       Aisling shook her head before muttering, "Stop reminiscing. You're wasting time." With that, Aisling began driving off again.

       Ardosa was known to be a pretty tame city, mainly because Cosain was not far away. But in reality, only the Northern part of the city was pleasant. Old, rusted tracks separated the South side from the North. On the South side, there was less control and it was fairly run down due to all the rioters.

       Aisling drove past an old house on the Southside, giving her unpleasant memories. She saw her younger self leaving the house, dragging a bloody hatchet behind her as she seemed to be in a lost daze.

       Quickly, Aisling shook her head before looking back. Her younger self was no longer there. She thought to herself, 'This city sucks. This road feels like it goes on forever.'

       Eventually, Aisling made it to the checkpoint on the Southside. The gate was in poor condition and nobody was standing guard. Climbing off, Aisling tried pushing the gate open. Because of the damage, some of the metal was locked together and rusted.

       Aisling muttered to herself, "Damn it, I guess the Southside doesn't care to have any working checkpoints."

       As Aisling began to walk back towards her motorcycle, she heard footsteps running up behind her. She whipped around, pressing the sword to the neck of whoever had been behind her.

       The supposed attacker only looked to be around her teen years. She had short, fiery red hair that was right above her shoulders that was slightly dirty and piercing, jade-colored eyes. Her skin was a bit tanner than Aisling's that was covered in dirt, freckles dotting her face.

       Aisling raised an eyebrow before questioning, "How old are you?"

       The girl held up her hands and replied, "S-seventeen."

       Aisling asked, "What's your name, kid?"

       Stuttering, the girl responded, "M-Molly. I swear I-I wasn't trying to do any harm. I-I'm just hungry, m-miss."

       Tilting her head to the side, Aisling asked, "Where're your parents, Molly?"

       Molly's expression suddenly shifted from fearful to upset. Aisling noticed so she took the blade away from her neck, "I see." After digging through her bag, Aisling pulled out some rations. The girl's eyes lit up as she looked at Aisling. Aisling asked, "Well, are you gonna take it or not? Stop gawking at it." Molly took it happily and smiled before devouring some of it.

       As Aisling went to get back on her motorcycle, Molly stopped her, "Wait! I can help you. I saw you trying to go through that checkpoint. I can find you another way."

       Aisling questioned, "How can you do that?"

       Molly replied, "I know this city like the back of my hand. Just tell me where you wanna go."

       After a bit of consideration, Aisling spoke up, "I'm going to Bellheir Landing. You know where that is?"

       A smile spread across Molly's face as she rummaged through her own bag, pulling out a map of the city. She pointed to a spot on the map as she said, "This is the nearest checkpoint leading to Bellheir."

       Looking at the map, Aisling nodded, "Thanks. See ya, kid."

       Before she could drive away, Molly called out, "Wait!"

       Aisling muttered to herself before looking at the redhead and asking, "What?"

       Molly had reached her hand out so she slowly drew it back as she replied, "C-Can I come with you?" Aisling looked the teenager up and down skeptically. Quickly, she added, "I-I know how to fight! I can help you!"

       Resting her elbows on the handles, Aisling raised an eyebrow, "Do you have any idea what I am, kid?"

       Noticing the dog tags around Aisling's neck, Molly nodded quickly, "You're part of the Resistance. But I-I don't mind!" Aisling was slightly surprised by the teenager's response.

       Aisling thought too herself, 'She could help out with navigating. It would also be nice to have some help just in case... She does seem to have spirit too.' After a bit of thinking, Aisling sighed deeply, "Fine." When Molly's eyes lit up, Aisling added, "But let's get you washed up first. A new change of clothes couldn't hurt either."

       Catching a helmet Aisling tossed to her, Molly climbed onto the motorcycle while strapping it on. Aisling pulled up to a hotel on the North side, getting the two separate rooms. She left Molly to make herself comfortable as she went to a nearby store, searching for a change of clothes for Molly.

       Soon, the sun was beginning to disappear over the horizon. As the sun was seemingly submerged by the ocean, Aisling began making her way back to the hotel. Knocking softly on the door, she heard shuffling inside the room before footsteps approaching the door.

       When Molly opened the door, Aisling noticed she still hadn't taken any sort of shower. She asked, "Why haven't you washed yet?"

       Molly replied quietly, "I don't know how to work a shower... I didn't have working water in my home so we just collected rainwater in buckets..."

       Aisling sighed, "Alright, I'll help you out then."

       Walking into the bathroom, Molly began taking off her jacket and Aisling quickly said, "No no no no! Not with me in here! Come on, kid."

       Molly blinked, "Oh, sorry."

       Aisling pointed at the two knobs and said, "The one on the right makes the water hotter. The left one makes it colder." Molly nodded as Aisling then held up to bottles, "This is shampoo. You put it in first to clean your hair. The conditioner makes your hair smooth and gets out knots."

       When she felt Molly understood, Aisling walked out and shut the door behind her. She left a change of clothes out for her for when she was finished alongside a towel. Leaning on a wall outside the door, Aisling pulled out a journal and began writing.

       Hearing the water start running, Aisling wrote in her journal before hearing Molly yelp, "It's really hot!"

       As Aisling wrote, she replied, "Turn the right knob to the right and the left one to the left."

       Molly did as she said before shouting from the other side of the door, "Now it's really cold!"

       Aisling responded, "Just keep adjusting them until if fees the right temperature."

       After a while, Molly asked, "Which one do I put in my hair first again?"

       Aisling replied, "The shampoo. But make sure it's not body wash. That's for cleaning your skin. Also, don't let it get in your-"

       Molly screeched, "It hurts!"

       Aisling sighed, "Eyes..."

       Eventually, Aisling heard the water stop. Not long afterward, Molly stepped out of the bathroom. Her hair was still a bit messy but now it was at least clean. Without all the dirt, Aisling could see the freckles dotting the young girl's face.

       Molly wore a white button-up shirt with an open green vest without sleeves over it alongside brown pants. She asked, "Do I look alright?"

       Giving her a simple thumbs up, Aisling replied, "Yeah, but it's getting late so you should get some rest. We'll worry about brushing your hair tomorrow. Then, you'll take me to Bellheir Landing."

       Molly nodded before Aisling went to her own room. Climbing into the bed, Aisling stared at the ceiling quietly. Eventually, Aisling closed her eyes before there was a knock at the door. Without opening her eyes, she asked tiredly, "Who is it?"

       Molly opened the door quietly and replied, "It's just me..."

       Aisling asked, "What do you want, kid?"

       Molly replied, "I just wanted to know what your name is... It feels awkward since I don't know what to call you besides ma'am..."

       Aisling sighed before replying, "Just call me Aisling. Now get to bed, kid."

       When she didn't hear Molly walk away, Aisling opened an eye before asking, "What is it?"

       Molly answered sheepishly, "I don't like sleeping alone..."

       Aisling sighed deeply before rolling over to face the wall, "Fine. You can sleep in here. But if you kick me in your sleep, I'm kicking you off the bed." She felt the bed sink a bit as Molly laid down. Oddly, it made her feel more comfortable to have someone there. Soon, Aisling passed out.