Chapter 2: Leaving

Night had fallen upon Shattered City. The lamps were lit along the streets and people walked around. Couples walking along the streets with each other; men and women heading home from work. But Phoenix was at the train station, sitting on a bench. The train had just left, the train that had Squad Three of the GALACTIC's on board. The Squad her brother was in.

Phoenix sighed. Her brother had left, leaving her alone to take care of the house. Leaving her just waiting for his return.

Phoenix wrapped her arms around herself and stood to her feet. "Guess I should get home..." she muttered. She then took her steps to going home.

"Well," a voice said once Phoenix stepped out the door and stood in front of the station, "lookey who we have here..."

Phoenix felt a chill run down her spine, she knew that e voice. Of course she knew it, she saw the person everyday. Phoenix looked over her shoulder and saw the familiar face of Cole Chalet. Blonde hair and fringe in his face; his brown eyes looking like they could see everything you have done; his black combat boots on his feet; gray cargo pants covering his lean legs; and a black shirt covered by a black jacket. This was the customary outfit for a Squad Commander of GALACTIC.

"Well," Phoenix said, "come to see Kaiden off?"

Cole walked forward, standing next to the girl that was a foot shorter then him. Also, now that he was standing closer, she could see his gun holstered under his arm.

"Of course," he said, "what kind of friend would I be if I didn't see him off. Plus, it's his first mission and all." Cole smiled at the girl, white teeth showing. "But I didn't expect to see you, Nixie!"

Phoenix felt her fist tighten. "Don't call me that!"

Cole laughed, he always enjoyed her reaction whenever he called her that.

"He's my brother," she said, tightening her grip around herself, "I should be here when he leaves..."

Cole looked down to the girl, seeing nothing of the poor girl's face. He quietly bit his lip and crossed his arms.

"He'll be alright, ya know..." he said.

Phoenix did not look up from the ground; she knew he was right. But, really, she could not help but worry for her brother. He was the only family she had left. If he were to die and leave her, she wouldn't know what to do.

"I know..." she muttered. "But you can't say you haven't had the thought run through your head that he would run out from excitement and get himself shot..."

Cole gave a small laugh and a grin at the thought. "That does sound like Kaiden..." .

Phoenix walked past Cole.

"Well," she said, "it's getting late... I should head home before some cop decides to stop me and give me a ticket for staying out past curfew..."

Cole gave a small laugh.

"Be careful on your way home, Nix..." he said, walking the opposite away from her. "Oh!" He stopped walking and looked back to Phoenix. "Don't worry yourself to much, 'kay? He'll be back before you know it."

Phoenix smiled and continued on her way home. She thought about what she was going to do now that her brother had left. He always pestered her about her habits of reading and being on the computer. But now that he's gone, he won't be doing that anymore. Phoenix feels a bit empty with knowing this.

Phoenix turned a corner, onto an empty street. Her mind was still lost in her thoughts.

"Hey, watch it!" the person she bumped into said, looking back at her.

Phoenix stopped walking and looked back over her shoulder.

"Hm?" she said, crossing her arms. "Oh..." Phoenix did not say anymore, she just continued walking.

The man that Phoenix had bumped into was starting to get angry as she walked away. He quickly grabbed her wrist and stopped her from moving any further.

"You got a problem?" he shouted. "You should apologize, Lady!"

Phoenix glanced over her shoulder, giving the man a glare. "Why should I apologize when you were the one who ran into me...?" she said through her teeth.

The man gritted his teeth. "Why you..." His free hand went into a fist and he threw his punch. Phoenix stepped to the side, avoiding it. The man tried again, but this time she dodged and freed her hand. Phoenix kicked the man's legs out from under him. He fell on his back and groaned in pain.

"Didn't your mother ever teach you not to hit a woman?" she said, crossing her arms once again.

The man jumped to his feet and threw another punch. Phoenix caught his punch and gripped his fist tightly. She then turned his arm around his back and brought him to his knees.

"Alright!" he shouted, feeling as if his arm was about to snap. "I'm sorry I ran into you!"

Phoenix let go of the man and he soon ran away, not wanting to get caught in that dreadful grip again.

Phoenix dusted her hands off and turned back around. She then continue her way down the street to her home.