Heeding the old man's words, Sirius slips out from the square before he's apprehended.
Wandering the city, it becomes all the more clear how many people there really are. Humanoids and beast people bustle about everywhere he looks. Each one with their own lives and desires... All of them appear so unique and colorful...
And then there's him.
Apart from his clothing, he doesn't look too out of place. If anything, he looks so uninteresting it makes him stand out...
-I don't think I belong here...
Luckily, the further from his hole in the ground, the fewer glares he receives. Instead of the frequent "Witch Spawn," it turned into "Is that a Witch Spawn?" and eventually "Why is he covered in dirt?"
Stumbling along without a clear objective, he arrives at a road dotted with stores.
-I can understand what people are saying. But... I can't read any of this.
He stands in front of a sign attached to a square building. It is painted with white foreign symbols. Under the characters is an image in the relative shape of a bed.
Pressing his forehead against the glass, he peers into the building via a window. It seems it may be an inn.
"Hey, pal."
Someone taps his shoulder. Sirius whips his head around to find a young man with yellow, bird-like feathers.
"Hm? Sorry, am I in your way?"
"No, not at all," the guy glances over at the building's entrance. "You looking for a place to spend the night?"
"Uh..." Thinking logically, he does need a place to stay. Being alone in a foreign world, it'd probably be smart to find a place to crash. "Yeah, sure..."
"Well, this is the best place for that, trust me. Their service is top-tier," he winks.
"Right... I'll go check it out then..." Sirius creeps away from the guy, his back pinned against the wall. He shifts toward the entrance, the bird-man maintaining eye contact the entire time.
Sirius steps under the small arch acting as a doorway, entering the building. Strangely, there isn't a door. Come to think of it, there aren't many doors to any of the buildings. Only a select few have wooden ones, contrasting with their gray, stone buildings. The inhabitants here are either very trusting or very stupid. Or, of course, it could just be their culture.
A hairy man with a stubby snout sits behind a counter. Sirius slowly approaches, getting in line behind a stranger. The interior is comfortable. Off to the right is a long hallway, with about half a dozen doors lining the wall. A staircase to the left crosses over the counter and leads up into another hallway on top of the other.
Candles are dotted throughout the room, creating a dimly lit environment. One on the counter, one next to the sofa by the entrance, and a few spread across the walls... It almost feels... romantic.
-I look so suspicious right now.
The person in front of him finishes their business and steps aside, their tail wagging happily.
"Next," the hairy fellow behind the counter pronounces. Sirius steps up awkwardly.
"H-hi... is this an inn?"
"A what?"
"An inn. Like... a place to stay overnight?"
"That's one way to put it," he says, about to laugh. Does the term "inn" not hold any meaning in this world? He rests his hand on his cheek, clearly very amused. "Uh, look, you got money?"
-Shit.
"Oh, no, I'm broke-"
"Then you should probably get out of here, kid. You seem a little young anyway."
The person previously in front of Sirius is seductively grabbed by a slender woman with a tail. She wears a very revealing outfit, leading the man down the hallway into a dark room. They both enter and close the door behind them.
...
"Ah, you're probably right..."
Sirius shamefully walks himself out of the structure and discovers the bird-man laughing hysterically.
*****
The sky is blue with scattered clouds. Even in a presumably different world, weather seems to work the same. It's hot. The sun's rays beat down on Sirius and his matted hair.
Dawdling down the streets, they all begin to look the same.
Gray walls, crowds of people, unsaturated colors...
This city is loud. To the point of almost being obnoxious.
Sirius's life on Earth had been a quiet one. This contrast of sound and activity is jarring.
He feels maddeningly out of place.
-Why... am I here? Is this really... a second chance?
...
Continuing along an unset path, the heat retreats him into an alleyway.
-I'm hot. I'm broke. Does money even work the same here? I can't read. I'll probably need to learn a new language. Though I guess I can already speak it... What should-
thud
A sturdy man bumps into Sirius's side and continues stomping along.
-What is wrong with people...
The boy presses on through the shaded maze and is bumped into by another.
"Filthy Witch Spawn... Watch where you're going."
The person spits on Sirius's shoes, disgust coursing through their every movement.
"..."
-Witch Spawn, huh... What does that mean? Is that what humans are referred to as? That would mean other humans are here, right? Are humans... am I... that unwelcome here?
...
Splash
Suddenly, a huge pail of water pours onto Sirius's head.
A silent frustration boils within the boy. What is it now...?
His hair drapes over his lightless eyes. It's cold. Despite now being soaked, at least it isn't hot anymore. Now he's freezing. He purses his lips and turns around.
"Sorry, friend, you looked a little tousled."
It's a younger lad, with loose-fitting clothing and sharp eyes. Two others stand behind him, one holds in a laugh, and the other scratches their head. They don't exactly carry themselves as mean-spirited people. But not trustworthy either.
"I don't even know what that means, but... thanks... I guess?" Sirius gives them a shallow thumbs-up.
They are confused by his gratitude but continue grinning anyway.
Sirius turns around, ready to walk away, but stops and pivots back towards the group. It's a good chance to get some more information. "Random question, where are we?"
The three of them stop smiling and glance at each other. One of them whispers, "What did you put in that water??"
"I didn't do anything to the water!" The guy inspects his bucket. "Uh, hey, you didn't like... hit your head or something earlier? Your brain seems a little tousled, too."
-What does tousled even mean?!
Sirius bears a blank expression.
"Never mind, I'll just... go."
Sirius sluggishly rotates and power walks away. Now very wet.
*****
Dragging his feet, he hangs his head toward the floor. He stalks his shadow as he walks, leaving a trail of water behind him. This, of course, further increases the gaze of others.
Finding a quiet spot to relax, Sirius sits against the hard wall of an empty alley. He rests on a corner, just against the border of sunlight and shade, with a perfect view of the city's life.
...
A gentle breeze brushes by. It feels pleasant against his skin. But also a bit chilly, he still isn't quite dry.
Taking in the moment, he thinks back to when he was little.
He used to always say he wanted to travel. To go out and explore the world... Go on adventures... Experience new things...
He stares at his palms.
-Now look at me...
"What am I even doing...?"
...
...
A time passes until he pulls himself back onto his feet.
He sets off back into the streets, his head held low. While he walks, he watches the shadows on the ground to avoid people. It's something he's done for years now. One time, he even prevented himself from getting robbed by seeing someone's shadow attempt to grab him.
People's faces lie, but their shadows never do.
...
Sounds of coughing make their way to his ears.
-I'm cold... I'm wet... I'm getting hungry, but I'm still broke. Which means I need money, so I'll need to get a jo-
Bonk
His lowered head collides with someone, causing him to stumble back. He hadn't seen their shadow.
"I'm sorry, I-"
.....
His thoughts go blank.
It's a girl. A beautiful girl.
Her height is about half a head shorter than his. She carries herself in a cordial yet concealing fashion. She dons soft, teal hair tied into a wavy ponytail, with bangs not quite reaching her eyes. Her irises form a light-to-dark gradient, shining like jewels. A cute button nose rests between the gems. The tips of her ears are pointed like an elf, though they don't protrude very far. A casual, long-sleeved dress wraps itself around her pale, thin figure.
A shiny, embossed band hugs her wrist.
Sirius blinks and composes himself.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?" She speaks tenderly, her aura overwhelmingly comforting. Her voice is soft. It's like being soothed by a lullaby.
"Yeah, I'm okay..." His words drift off. He wasn't expecting such kindness. Everyone else he's met has either been rude or perplexing.
"Good," she smiles sincerely. Examining him a moment, her glistening irises shift behind her long, dark eyelashes. Her manner muddles. "...Why are you all wet? Are you sick?"
Sirius scratches his head.
"I don't even really know-"
"Aw, dang it. My dress is wet..." She places her gentle hands over her chest, feeling the dampened mark on her dress. She's pouting a little.
Guilt creeps into his mind. It's a very pretty dress. Lightly colored, draping down just before her knees. The sleeves have slits exposing her slender arms.
"Sorry-"
EEEEEEEEEEEEEAAUUGH
A shriek abruptly tears through the street, if not the whole city.
The entire area freezes, as if time itself momentarily stops. Pedestrians slowly turn to the source of the disturbance.
Atop a tall building, a winged monstrosity spreads its four naked wings. It shares the likeness of a large, mutated bat roughly the size of a person. It carries a regal weight, demanding attention and obedience.
Extending its sharp, black claws, the creature leaps from its perch.
Its flagrant wings slit the sky, barreling directly toward the gentle girl. Her gradient eyes dilate in dismay. She stands still, almost frozen in place. The creature extends its hands, ready to grasp her.
"A wailian...? Why here?"
"Watch out!"
As if instinctively, Sirius shoves the girl out of its way.
In return, the monster latches its talons deep into his flesh.
The girl tumbles and skids across the surface. She snaps out of her daze and witnesses the assault.
His arm is being sawed open, and the pain is torturous. The monster's claws act like jagged knives carving his skin. Their cuts are rutted and grievous, dragging crimson blood with each dissever. The viscous liquid leaks profusely from his limb. His once decently muscular forearm is being mangled beyond recognition. Twisting into a disfigured entanglement of meat.
The bare wings of the beast bash his head around violently. Sirius's nose is caught by a blow, smashing out black globs from his nostrils.
Abruptly, the bat stops its assault and snaps its head over to the fallen girl.
Its pitch-black eyes lock onto her as it releases itself from Sirius's arm.
Sirius collapses onto the pavement, his arm a mauled and maimed mess. The pain is immeasurable. It doesn't even feel like it let go. He attempts to cradle the butchered limb, but the thought alone makes him wince.
-Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck it hurts. It hurts so bad.
The girl screams as it clasps onto her wrist. Saliva expels from its vile mouth as it shrieks into her ears. She attempts to hit it off, but its wings beat down onto her skull. Its black talons rake themselves into her flesh, shredding the sleeve of her dress. Her gouged skin pokes through, staining the pale dress red.
She attempts to remove its buried claws, but to no avail. They dig deeper. Her teeth grind together, twisting her face in agony.
Sirius uncurls himself, only to discover the horror. His mouth hangs open, his features creased in anguish. Fear and distress refuse to let him move. All he can do is watch.
For some reason, the beast appears to only be aiming for her left arm.
Unlatching one of its arms, the bat raises its talons.
-It's about to take off her hand...
Sirius squeezes his eyes; he can't bear to watch.
It strikes down, and the girl purges a ragged scream.
The monster retreats its blood-stained arm and begins flapping its wings. The claws unlatch from her wrist. Something shiny rests in its claws.
The girl crumbles to the ground. Sirius ajars his eyes, thankfully, her whole arm is still intact. She grits her teeth, trying to hold back the immense pain. She's holding back tears, though not very well. Pain fills every part of her expression.
The avian nightmare begins ascending, its wings propelling it skyward.
Without thinking, Sirius scrambles to his feet.
-You're not getting away.
Before the monster can get out of reach, Sirius, almost falling over, grasps one of its naked wings.
Crushing its skin in his palms, he tugs at the beast with his one good arm, the other lying limp at his side. It's a struggle. The beast lashes violently in circles, squalling like a child. The monster's head whips around, attempting to bite his hand.
Sirius thrusts the wing into its mouth, causing its sharp fangs to pierce the flesh. With its teeth plunged into itself, Sirius tugs its arm harder, shredding its skin against the enamel. The horrific sound of ripping flesh assaults his ears.
Mustering all his strength, Sirius tears half of the pierced wing off from the body. He topples backward with the wing in his grasp.
A frenzied shriek cries out from the monster's throat. Dark glops of blood drop from its severed wing. It struggles to stay in the air, thrashing itself from side to side.
Sirius and the girl connect their shocked gazes.
Never in his life has he done something so dangerous and stupid. He can't comprehend what he's done. Adrenaline pulses through his veins.
The girl pulls out of her stun, and pain swallows her thoughts once more. She doesn't want to see the wound, but knows she needs to. Holding her breath, with one eye, she peeks at her mauled wrist.
The sight is nearly as painful. After studying it for a moment, her eyes widen.
"My wristlet!"
Fear written on her face, she scrambles to her feet and immediately begins chasing the fleeing beast.
Brushing past his bewilderment, Sirius springs off the ground and pursues the girl.
-What the fuck. What the fuck. What the fuck. What am I doing?!?
On her trail, he notices something he hadn't earlier. She has wings. Two small black, feathery wings jut out from her shoulder blades. They are not nearly large enough for flight.
He catches up to her. She's clearly in a lot of pain. Despite that, she looks determined.
"What did it take?" Sirius can barely get out the question.
"My wristlet..." Her voice is strained. "I need it as my qualification."
Her concern for the object is apparent. Sirius doesn't ask further questions. It's not the time.
They continue chasing after the impaired monster. They pass through alleys and busy streets. Pedestrians duck and run off indoors, though strangely, most people seem to be excited by the creature's presence. A small child happily points at the beast, telling his mother to look at it. Un-strangely, the same people who seem excited quickly become disquieted when they see two bloody teenagers running after it.
For an injured animal, the thing is fast. It flaps its three other wings swiftly, struggling to gain any height. It teeters up and down, giving Sirius a chance to strike.
Sirius charges forward with full speed, reaching out to clasp the beast. The gap between them closes considerably.
With a violent jolt, the bat flips around and swipes its bloody talons. Sirius ducks the assault with only a few strands of hair as casualties.
Upon missing, the demon focuses its sight on the weary girl. With a deafening screech, it swoops at her legs.
It misses, luckily, the girl is nimble enough to jump. Her feet land on the slithering tail of her assailant.
A beast cries with a frequency previously unmatched.
Its wings fold and beat upon the poor girl, smacking her across the face and limbs.
Call it an act of self-defense, or of pure desperation, the girl plunges her teeth into a wing.
Another ear-shattering scream.
Dark blood pools from the bare wing and into the girl's mouth. Her teeth are sunken deep into its skin, almost coming out the other end.
Repositioning himself, Sirius rushes toward the abomination. Leaping off the ground, he shouts to the girl.
"Let go!"
She does as instructed, retracting her perfect teeth from the imperfect.
Sirius descends the arch of his jump, balling his fist. With the momentum of the fall, he lands a heavy blow to the creature's skull.
The beast scatters to the floor, flailing like a ragdoll tumbling down a flight of stairs.
The bat stops its movements and shakes vigorously. Blood sprays and soaks the surroundings. It staggers to its feet and retreats its body. It begins flapping its wings in an escape.
Sirius shakes off his knuckles and searches for the girl. She is already in pursuit again.
After regaining his breath, he follows suit once more.
-What am I doing? Why am I doing this?
They run. Run after the fleeting beast.
A violent monstrosity fleeing after attacking them... Why?
While Sirius has always been fast, his endurance has not always been the greatest. Sirius and the girl have been running for what feels like an eternity. They are worn out, but do not give up their pursuit. The girl, in particular, is having a very difficult time.
Eventually, they enter a square with an elegant fountain in the center. It looks akin to the square he emerged in, except with a working fountain and no bustling market.
They are out of breath, both covered in blood and sweat. The girl is about the faint.
The beast is losing a lot of blood; it, too, seems to be exhausted. Due to fatigue, the bat's flight path veers off. The creature crashes into the fountain and topples into the water, stalling its advance.
Sirius is about to throw up; he can't go much further. He needs to do something now while it's down.
Conjuring a final burst of energy, Sirius sprints towards the beast.
He leaps into the fountain and, with both hands, takes hold of the beast's back claws. Flailing its wings again, it repeatedly beats the boy's fatigued body. The beast wails and slams a kick into Sirius's nose, forcing him to release his grip.
Sirius slams into the bed of the fountain, soaking himself with the blood-infested water.
The beast slowly starts fluttering away.
Unable to move, let alone stop it, the monster disappears around a corner.
-It got away...
...
Sirius catches his breath, lying in the fountain's water. He can barely comprehend what just happened.
His head throbbing and his arm burning, he achingly sits up and scans for the girl.
She had fallen to her knees at some point. She coughs violently into her elbow.
Sirius climbs out of the fountain and trails water in his approach to her. He gets to her side and plops down onto the wet grass.
"It... got away."
Her pained mien turns sorrowful.
"Yeah..."
She's on the verge of tears, her voice crackling as a result. She shifts into a seated position and curls into a ball. Her lips are quivering.
"But, I did manage...to grab this."
From his torn hand, Sirius dangles a shiny band, embedded with a tiny emblem in the center. Her wristlet.
Her face lights up, and she uncurls herself. She closes her eyes as a relieved smile spreads across her face. She turns to face him.
"Thank you... Thank you so much..."
Warm tears run down her flushed cheeks. Even in a withered state, she radiates with beauty and joy.
Sirius smiles at the sight of her.
A genuine, heartfelt smile.
His first one in years.
"...No problem-"
He winces as a shot of pain scatters across his tangled right arm. He gently places the wristlet in her hand.
"Is your arm alright?! Actually- that's a stupid question..."
"It-It's alright..."
Wiping her tears, she glances down at their mangled arms. Her left and his right are side by side.
She lets out a little giggle.
"We match."
She smiles, slightly raising her left arm. It causes her to wince.
Sirius chuckles meekly.
"I guess we do..." They both look to the floor, smiling. "What... was that thing anyway?"
"I believe it was a wailian," her expression hardens. "But, I'm not sure why one was actually in the capital. They're usually rather docile, too. I don't know why it would randomly attack us..."
"...I think it wanted your wristlet thing."
"Yes, but... Why?" Concerned curiosity scribes her thoughts, somehow ignoring the immense discomfort throughout her body. "Unless..."
"A wailian... in the capital. We're in a capital?"
She turns to him, smiling, but with a confused look.
"Yes...? We're in Auretta. The capital of Lunalir. Are you sure you're alright? You know, besides the arm..."
-Auretta... Lunalir...
"Yeah, I'm alright. I just kind of... woke up here and then this happened. Wasn't quite sure where I was..."
Her confused expression returns to one of concern.
"You just woke up here? Like, you were kidnapped and brought here or something??"
"No, nothing like that- Well, actually, kind of... Anyway, I'm alright, no need to worry."
"A-alright..." She clearly doesn't believe him. "By the way, what's with your clothes?"
"Are they really that weird? People have been saying that all day."
"They are a little strange... look comfortable though. You know, apart from you being soaked... and covered in blood. Are you like a water magnet or something?"
"Something like that..."
They share a giggle. For the first time in a long time, Sirius feels a sense of peace.
"...Seriously, though, thank you. You really saved me. If you hadn't come along, I don't know how I would've-" The whites of her eyes widen. "Oh! I completely forgot! I need to go meet with the nobles!"
"Hm?"
Juddering, she stands up and shimmies the band onto her right wrist.
"Are you sure you'll be alright? Do you need help finding a healer? Or money to pay for treatment?"
Sirius rises and brushes off his butt.
"Well, I do need both of those... but I can't ask that from you-"
"No! Please, let me thank you! You got me my requisite back... I don't think I can thank you enough. Here, take this." She places seven purple gems shaped like coins into his palm. "That should be more than enough."
-Is this money? Is she actually giving me money for treatment? Why...
"..."
She seems content with herself. "There should be a clinic due south of here, about three blocks down."
"I- uh, thank you... Truly." Words can't express how he feels.
"Don't mention it. If I ever see you again, I'd like to thank you properly."
"..."
-Will she be alright...?
"Alright, I have to go now. Bye!"
She waves her healthy arm and starts running off.
He doesn't want her to go.
"Wait!"
She stops and pivots back around.
"Hm?"
"...What's your name?"
She almost looks puzzled, as if she assumed he knew it already.
Seeing their interaction in a whole new light, she smiles warmly.
"Aureole. What's yours?"
-Aureole... That's a pretty name.
Sirius is spellbound. Her smile alone makes his wounded body feel healed.
"Oh-" He's been staring slightly too long. "Right, I'm Sirius."
Her smile widens one last time. She absolutely beams.
And then, the luminous angel wanes away.
...
Sirius's heart races. The whole encounter feels like a dream.
He doesn't know what this feeling is, but one thing is for certain...
For the first time in forever, a sparkle of life shimmers in his eyes.