Still and silence fell upon the restless world of motion the very next day as each and every Kinerikan sat in place as a broadcast came through from their limiters.
"People of Kinerik," a holographic display of the Kinerikan council, representative and leader of all five continents of Kinerik. Seating in place on a round as they addressed their people as they watched through their limiters.
"The incident yesterday, it not one you should be awe struck by. It must not ever repeat itself," they spoke.
"A gear one limiter user reckless hacked her limiter allowing her to move at speeds comparable to a gear three but this reckless act of hers became her on doing,"
The people listened.
"And it could have been yours or anyone else that had the unfortunate fate of being around her general vicinity as recklessly ran about through Kinerik" said the Council.
"Luckily, a member of our esteemed Hypirex guard came forth to handle the matter. However, by the time he reached her it was already too late," the Council spoke somberly.
"There was nothing he could do but take her where she could safely combust without risking casualties,"
Zoomie heard the Council's words and wept. Tears raining down from eyes like end endless stream.
"Rushina," she cried as she looked down at the limiter on her wrist.
"This should, though grim, should serve as a reminder to you all. The limiter's you wear are for not just yours but the protection of everyone around you," the Council continued.
"And because of this we've decided to speak with Genesis to have brand new un-hackable limiters be brought Kinerik. It is mandatory for everyone to have one," said the Council.
"And before you receive one you must take a mandatory speed check to affirm your gear. And anyone who fails to retrieve the limiters would be severe punished," the united voice of the Council came out stern and cold. A clear warning to their citizens that compliance was non-negotiable.
"Have a good day our fellow Kinerikans and may Yaseki's light rest upon you all and guide all our steps forward," the broad cast ended and it did so, the people of Kinerik began rising to begin their day.
The sound of footsteps and the whooshing of the wind breaking the heavy silence as they ran.
The people of Kinerik were quick. Quick to run. Quick to rise. And quick to accept.
But….
*Drip*
One remained still on the floor of her home in the slow zone. Shed tear after tear. Crying in silence within the four walls of her, refusing to take move a single step.
Later, as the darkness of the night came Zoomie darted away from the city, past the forest until she finally made it to the sea shore.
In Kinerik there exist an custom among the people called the final race. Where, upon death, the family of deceased gather the ashes of the dead run with them as fast as they. Scattering and allowing them to flow through the wind, joining the gentle flow of Kinerik
It was said to bring the soul of dead peace as they transitioned from life to the place of death.
Zoomie looked down at the urn on her hands. She knew the ashes within them weren't Rushina's and her remains were already all over Kinerik but…
Tear once again began.
She loved her and for the love.
Take a step.
She had to this.
She slowly picked up speed, a trail of dust and sand leaving a trail behind her as she ran as fast as could. Pushing her forward with step.
Knowing her limits and still wanting to move faster and faster.
Memories of Rushina began flowing her mind.
Both good…
"Ever heard the tale of the Far Reachers,"
…and bad.
"Slugha"
She remembered it all. The woman who just could bare to stay still and just wanted to run faster than her legs would allow.
She reached from the urn as she felt tears standing at rim of her eye lids and then opened.
The ashes flowed out along with her tears.
She kept running and didn't stop until all of them were completely swept away by the wind.
Once done, she collapsed on the sandy shore, whether from exhaustion or the heavy weight in her heart, she couldn't be sure. And as she laid there on the sands of the shore, hearing pushing and pulling back of sea from the shoreline. She looked and watched the stars. Seeing them twinkle and shine above her head with a single thought crossing her mind.
'Rushina, if you can see me from up there. I…I hope you're happy and at peace,"
Throughout night Zoomie remained still lying on the sand. Unsure on if she could muster up the strength to face the world alone.
Single lone breath left her lips…
Without her.
"Slugha"
Everything just seemed too much, too fast, and too…
Her eyes closed down gentle as the sun came out. It warmth and rays kissing the side of her cheek but the light stunt too much and heat was uncomfortable.
"Well, would you look at that," a shadow cast itself over her. Shielding her from the sun warmth and rays.
Zoomie slowly opened up her eyes. Her vision haze and blurred as they adjusted to the light but as the haze cleared. She was able to make the almost shadowy figure of a man looking down at her.
"Need a little help getting back up," he extended hand to her.
Zoomie hesitated at first but reached out to him and accepted the hand.
The strange man pulled her back up to her feet. And once she was standing, he turned away from and faced the vast sea.
"Beautiful isn't it," he's eyes reflected the vast blue of ocean ahead.
Zoomie said nothing and lower her gaze.
"When I was younger I used to dream of dashing through the seas, see and explore all of Kinerik," he spoke with a gentle smile.
Zoomie hearing his words couldn't help but think about Rushina and how he dream wasn't too far off from hers.
She raised her head and to see the vast blue of the sea.
Freedom was it truly that great that…
Her eyes darted on to her limiter. Seeing the single digit flashing on it.
…you'd be willing to risk it all.
"But know, I'm older and wiser to see it's not everywhere I can run to," his gaze steadied. "It's not everywhere I'm allowed to run,"
He turned away from the sea and faced Zoomie.
He spoke just within the reach of her ears. "This something you must understand too Zoomie,"
Zoomie's eyes but before she could utter single word. The man darted away on to the sea, striking the water hard and fast as he ran on it like solid ground. With a limiter that flashed 'X', he moved too fast for her to chase after. Leaving Zoomie alone with his words echoing in her mind as she looked down at her reflection.
"It's not everywhere I'm allowed to run,"
Zoomie then raised her head to the sky, seeing the vast blue above greeting her gaze. She let out a soft breath and then turned away. Running back, as fast as she could, to Swifty because she had no other place to run to.