Ailixa
Someone, somewhere
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Azumi Waters
23 || 5’6”
Associate Stylist at D R E A M & Up and Coming Fashion Influencer
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Azumi woke up at exactly five in the morning. She had already received several texts from one of the lead stylists at D R E A M, demanding to have their clothing and materials already present at the company building when they arrived at nine. Most would have complained -- and, oh, she did…mentally anyway --, she was also aware that many of the interns and associate stylists had left. Many decided this career wasn't for them within a month of starting. It was expected here. D R E A M definitely wasn't for those who were willing to half-ass anything.
After she noted down everything she had to grab from suppliers and boutiques, she turned on the TV to the local news station. She often turned it on as background noise. Anything was better than the complete silence being awake so early brought.
As she stepped out of the shower and stepped into her bedroom to change, she couldn't help but glance over at the medium sized screen. The lead morning anchor was chatting casually about a phenomenon that occurred late last night. He mentioned something about a strange kind of green aurora borealis. Apparently, it was near one of the shrines, one of ones she used to visit when her father was battling cancer.
She made a mental note not to head in that direction, if she could avoid it. She couldn't afford to be caught up in anything -- not when her schedule was so packed already!
By the skin of her teeth, Azumi managed to make the morning demands by 8:30. The lead stylist wasn't disappointed, nor pleased. It was always a careful neutral with them. But, any morning where they were in a neutral mood was a good enough sign for her.
The morning and afternoon passed by rather quickly. She had been working here for almost three years already, and had ironed down the every day routine. Still, she did relish when she was handed tasks that dealt directly with fashion edits or overviews. If she had to act as a “second pair of eyes” for any stylist, it was a learning opportunity, right? Plus, normally what followed was her own chance to impress her bosses for upcoming fashion shoots.
It was around six in the evening that she received a call from her mother, unexpectedly at that. A few months ago she would have automatically assumed it was bad news: that her father had passed away or had become unconscious. These days…it had been pretty good news. What more could she ask that he be in remission?
“Hey, Momma. What’s up? Did the doctors have something positive to say about Dad?” Her tone was casual, light, as she held the phone between her cheek and right shoulder. Her hands were busy making adjustments to a piece she was working on for the ‘Wicked and Personal’ themed shoot.
“Hi…Apricot. Not…so much. You may want to sit down for this.”
Azumi’s eyebrows furrowed, but she followed her instructions. She took a seat in the corner of the large room, hidden away from anyone else that may be working late.
It didn't take long for Azumi to leave early, nearly running out of the building and toward her parked bike. Cancer patients in remission weren’t expected to be hit with a cold so soon after the good news. It was why they were told to remain in the hospital! But…not every recovery story is the same. There’s always variables. Or…that’s what her mother told her anyway. It was hard to believe that when it was her Dad that they were talking about though.
Still, she knew there wasn't much she could do. It was up to her Dad…and the doctors to help fight it. But…whenever he got worse, or whenever she felt worried about him not making it, she would always rush to a shrine.
Some would mock her for her faith, especially when there was nothing to show for it. But, she needed to do something. To feel like she had done something, even if it was just in her own mind.
Unluckily for her, the nearest shrine was the one that had that weird phenomenon occur. Luckily, it was late enough that, when she arrived and parked her bike at the entrance, it was near deserted. Only one shrine attendant was visible, and she looked preoccupied with cleaning.
When she reached the designated spot, she kneeled and did her ritual prayer. It was what made her feel better, what made her soul feel lighter. It didn't take long, perhaps ten minutes had passed in total, before she stood again, bowed, and turned to head back to her parked bike.
However, on the way back, something caught her eye. She came to a complete stop as she witnessed a woman flash between the trees. The little forest the shrine kept was normally vacant, as the attendants shooed anyone out. They claimed it was for the god’s and goddesses’ use only.
Against her better judgment, Azumi cautiously followed the woman. She wasn't exactly hiding her presence, but she wasn't announcing herself either. Something told her to wait and see.