Part 19, City Lights

  The lights outside during the night were blinding. Opening the curtains, the brightness of the moon illuminated the entire bedroom. Nathan got ready for his night, draping a hood over his hair, covering his elf-like ears. Soon after drinking some coffee, he stepped outside, pushing his tail up under his cloak. Staring up into the bustling streets of the city, cars sped by on the freeway, civilians walked among the sidewalks, bright neon signs rose up into the sky, lifted over tower windows. Rain gently fell on the ground around him as Nathan stepped into a restaurant.

  It was a small and cozy shop, filled with customers. Taking a seat at a booth, he looked around. The waitress had arrived, handing him a menu. After ordering his meal, he looked out the window, watching the rain patter down on the glass. After a while, a girl had sat across from him, and had ordered something.

  The waitress had come by, setting down the meals. The girl thanked her, before looking up at him. "Any news on Dahlia?" She asked, sipping on a milkshake she ordered. "No... I haven't seen her since the trial, and... the government won't tell us anything about her whereabouts. I think it's suspicious as all hell. Where could she have gone, and why won't the higher-ups tell us anything about her? How come the normal humans get to sit and rot in a jail cell, but... demis just seem to... vanish without a trace? It doesn't make sense!" He slammed his fists on the table, the dishes clattering slightly. Heads turned to stare at them momentarily, before returning to their activities. Nathan fell silent. He didn't mean to raise his voice.

  .

  "...Sorry, Alex. I didn't mean to... freak out on you." Nathan sighed, picking at his food. "I'm just so... Why her? She was practically family to us.." Alex let out a small sigh, staring down at her own plate, picking between the small chunks of egg and bacon bits messily scattered across her plate. She wasn't used to all of this cuisine, being a true elf from the forest.. "It's okay, Nate. It's understandable. But... we can't do anything. We've been trying for so long. If the government wants to hide things from us, there's no way we can find out anything." Nate looked out the window, staring at the bustling city lights. "I hope I see her again. We left things on... not so great terms.. It's my fault. I could've prevented this." Alex grabbed his hand, holding it firmly. "Nate. It's not your fault. It's no one's fault. There was nothing we could've done. Perhaps it was nature's way of... telling us a lesson."

  Alex didn't know what to say. Her and Nate had been friends for so long, and yet she could never help him when he was feeling so, so down. She could only sit, listen, and hope that she was doing the right thing with Mother Nature's guidance.

  The two finished eating, paying for the meal and stepping back out onto the wet sidewalk. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Alex asked, hesitant. "No, I'll be fine. Stay safe on your way back home." Nathan murmured, stepping away. The rain poured heavily on the ground, soaking the earth. Alex watched her friend step away, worry filling her eyes. "Nate, just stay safe!" She yelled out to him, but he didn't respond. Alex sighed, stepping away into the dropping rain. She felt herself stopping, gazing up into the sky..

  .

  Nathan walked alone in the rainy streets, hands in his pockets. The hoodie over his head kept him dry, and his tail was pressed against his leg to keep it out of sight. The loss of his sister weighed heavy on his mind, and he was determined to find her by any means necessary. Not completely paying attention, he bumped into a man in a hoodie. "Watch it." He warned coldly, before walking off. After a bit more walking, albeit carefully, he arrived back home to his hotel apartment, too exhausted from thinking to do anything, before settling into bed for the night.

  (End of Pt 19)

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  Part 20, Lost

  The trio fell from the portal, landing inside of a strangers bedroom, it seemed. Mutsumi was first to notice the belongings and unkempt bedroom, unlike Vera, who just seemed enamored with the world. Dahlia was a bit disoriented, but she gazed out of a window, her face pressed against the cold glass. It was raining outside, the calm pitter-patter on the glass sending out a slightly calming melody. "It's... good to be back... but where are we?" Dahlia asked, turning to Mutsumi. "To me, it looks like we're in someone's apartment." He quietly responded. "Who's apartment though? I mean, we just appeared in here."

  Dahlia glanced around the room, finding a name scribbled on a piece of paper on the desk. "Nathan? That... rings a bell, somehow.." She murmured, before noticing a silhouette in the bed behind them all. "Are they... home? We might want to keep quiet, you guys.." Her gaze turned to a wary stare at the sleeping figure. "It's going to be fine, Dahlia." Mutsumi quietly responded, not noticing his tail slightly brushing against various objects.

  "Let's... hm. What should we do now, that we're back home?" Mutsumi wondered. "Perhaps we should find some other demihumans..." Vera quietly responded. "Oh, right! Vera. I hate to be a bother, but you must hide your tail and ears when we're outside... the humans tend to not like us very well with our features out.. Your ears could be fine, but your tails have to be hidden..." He quietly whispered, searching the room for a coat, or a long jacket she could use to hide her wolf-like features.

  .

  He found a dark gray hoodie, with the hood large enough to conceal the pointed ears. "This is... uncomfortable... I'm not used to.. whatever these kinds of clothes are... get me a dress or something..." Vera hummed quietly, shifting around in the hoodie. "We'll stop by a store or something..." Dahlia whispered, having no need to be covering her features being an elf, with no major changes besides her ears, and Vera was now able to have no worries about the exposure, albeit uncomfortably. They decided that they would wait until the person had left the room or had stayed asleep, before heading out to the city, which was just a floor down.

  After a couple of hours, the three heard movement from the bed.

  "You guys... the person is awake.." Mutsumi whispered, backing up. "Just pretend like we were just sitting here, and don't make any sudden movements.." Vera whispered. The person rolled over, beginning to stare at the trio, although completely disoriented.

  "H-huh..? Who are these people..." Nathan began to think, albeit completely disoriented and tired.. He was in bed, gazing up at the three hazy silhouettes in front of him. They mostly looked human, though one of them had a distinct sight of a wolf-like tail. It seemed... different. Different than the one's he's seen before in this city, maybe they were a different species of wolf? He didn't know. As it floated around, it seemed almost as if a wild wolf was in his apartment. He didn't get much time to think on it, as he slowly drifted back into dreamland.

  "Ok- he's asleep... let's get out of here, guys.." Mutsumi whispered, reaching for a door that was behind him. It had to be the exit door, as the warm orange glow of the outside lights emanated from under the wooden surface. As the knob was turned, the door slowly slid open, the warm glow of the outside lights slowly filling the room as Mutsumi and the others slipped through the door. Cautiously, 'sumi slid the door shut, before glancing down the long hallway. It was empty as they walked down the long corridors, almost endless until they reached a set of stairs and an elevator. "What's this, Mutsumi?" Vera asked, pointing at the closed metal doors in front of them. It seemed comical that she didn't know what an elevator was, being that she wasn't from a mostly agricultural world, and Dahlia chuckled at it. "It's an elevator, silly..." She murmured, poking Vera's shoulder. "What is it? just a big set of metal doors?" She responded, genuinely curious- her tails poking out from the sweater- whirling in the air behind her.

  "It's to help us, V. It's sort of an inconvenience when you have to walk up multiple sets of stairs, you know?" Mutsumi brought up a valid point. "O-oh... alright then.. Do you know how high up we are..? What floor are we on?" Vera nervously asked, her tails moving back under the hoodie. "Actually, no..." Sumi whispered, turning around to survey the hallway. There was nothing to say where they were, after all. "Nothing.. well, want to take the elevator, Vera?" Sumi whispered. "Ah... I'm not sure... I guess?" She pushed out, her tails moving to coil around her leg, a nervous gesture Mutsumi grew used to. "It's going to be fine, V." He said, calling the elevator with a button.

  As they waited, someone came around the corner to meet them. It was a woman. She seemed otherworldly, unfitting, yet here she was stepping around the corner. She wore a suit, barely complimenting her purple hair- not to mention her Magenta eyes and slim-fit form.. A sudden feeling of unease came over the group as she approached with a smirk. "Well, well... who might you three be? Haven't seen your faces before, you know~" She hummed out, slithering closer to Mutsumi. He flinched backwards slightly, before being completely unable to move. "H-huh? W-who are you?" He stammered, unable to take his eyes away from the glaring dark, purple irises of hers. It's as if time had frozen just for a moment as she gazed at him, glancing at the others. "You can call me Nathmi*. I'm not from this world, you see... I can change myself at will, if I feel as such is needed, little fox..." She whispered. "This whole world in and of itself, is just a mere story.. being read by many sweet little humans, perhaps." She said, turning away to not look at Mutsumi, but you. "And as for those dear readers... thank you." She smiled, before turning back to Sumi. "Wait- who are you talking about? Who are you looking at?"

  He responded, clearly confused. "It's not important. Take care of them. You have a special gift, fox. Use it. I'll watch from afar, a mere spectator to you. I've been imprisoned once, in my world, people bowed to me, praised me, like the goddess I am... But that's another story for another time, cute fox~ I must go." She said in a hushed, sultry tone. Before he could even respond, he blinked. The next second, she was gone. It sent a chill down his spine, falling back to the floor in shock at the thoughts. Time and returned to normal, and well, as Vera and Dahlia stared down at him. "Are you alright, Mutsumi?" Dahlia asked, picking him off of the ground. "What happened? We blinked and you were just on the ground." In all seriousness, he had a blush on his face, presumably from being called cute. "Ah- it's... not important. I'm fine!" He stammered. Thoughts came into his mind as he took Nathmi's words into account. 'There are other worlds out there? I could have been sent to somewhere else..? What else do I not know about this world... this government..?' He thought- the elevator dinging, cutting him off, yet indicating it's arrival. "Come on, let's go." He whispered, stepping into the elevator. Vera was hesitant, but clung to Mutsumi as she stepped in, Dahlia not long following behind.

  *Character made/owned by @Orokahitou on Instagram! Check him and his art out!

  (End of Part 20.)

  Part 21 Elevator Ride

  "Vera, come on... it's not that bad, let go of me-" Mutsumi hummed, freeing his arm from her grasp and pressing a a button on the elevator. It began to rise, albeit being on the second floor. He didn't want to go up, did he? "Why'd it just start moving when we got in here?" Vera nervously asked, her tail moving to wrap around Mutsumi's leg. "Hey, it's fine.. it's fine. Calm down." He whispered, patting Vera's head softly. She was breathing heavily, as if she was terrified. "Are you... claustrophobic, Vera..?" Mutsumi asked, curious. "Claustro- what..? H-haha... what's that..."

  "It means you don't like... super confined spaces. Like elevators. Does this scare you?" Dahlia hummed, taking Vera's hand. "Ah, I don- I don't know..." Vera mumbled, clinging more to Mutsumi. "Where are we going, anyway?" She whined. As if her words were a signal, the elevator dinged, signifying it's arrival to what was hopefully the first floor.

  It opened, revealing another endless hallway. Vera sped out of the elevator, sighing in relief. "H-haha.... thank god.." She whispered, before glancing at the door to the side of the elevator. It opened to a few sets of stairs. "Maybe we go here, guys?" She said, glancing down the spiraling stairway. Mutsumi and Dahlia followed her out of the elevator to the door that led to the stairs. "Should we go down?" Dahlia and Mutsumi glanced at each other, before nodding. "Yeah, we should go down." Dahlia responded, leading the way down the steps. The rest of the group followed behind her.

  Eventually, the stairs led into a lobby-type room, filled with couches and tables. The first floor! (Luckily.)

  (End of part 21.)

  Part 22, The Lobby.

  Vera sped down the stairs, and immediately sat on one of the couches, the warm glow of the lobby room welcoming the group in, despite their eventual departure. Dahlia and Mutsumi followed suit, before a man dressed in a suited uniform walked up to them. "May I help you three? It's quite late at night, can I query why you're here?" He asked. It was a strange question. "U-um, yes- actually!" Mutsumi nervously spoke up. The man was slightly surprised. He didn't expect such an eager response. "W-where is the exit?" Mutsumi hurriedly asked. "I'm new to the city, so I'm not sure where we are, haha..." He stammered. The man glanced at the three of them, before chuckling. "You three are the most polite people to come in here, not like the other kids and young adults." He mumbled. Mutsumi chuckled, rubbing his neck. Even his tail began to wag little by little, a cute sight for Vera and Dahlia, they stayed silent about it though. "What do you know about the city, sir? What do you call it? This world is... so distinct and vibrant.. just like I remember." Mutsumi hummed quietly, waiting for a response to his query. "The world? What are you, a time traveler?" He gazed at them before softening his gaze. Mutsumi's eyes darted to Vera and Dahlia nervously. 'Did he know?' Mutsumi thought. "I'm joking, we call this planet here Noxara. And the great city here? We call it Alcaea. The city of endless lights upon the sky, shining brightly during the night sky. That all you needed, sir?" Mutsumi nodded, only then taking into account of the scent in the air. "Is that lavender, sir?" He asked, sniffing the air. It was one of the scents that reminded him of his mother. Home, even. At least before the government had taken him away. His thoughts were soon interrupted by the suited man speaking again.

  "Yes! Glad someone noticed." The man smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "It’s nice to imagine you’re lying between the beds of flowers, isn’t it?" Vera chimed in, her knowledge of the wild surfacing- the past experience of the lost forest coming back to her immediately. "Did you know lavender can improve your sleep? It’s also believed to help with hair growth!" She leaned forward, her enthusiasm infectious. Mutsumi chuckled, grateful for her bright spirit, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. She knew a lot about flowers, that was nice- but it was then that he noticed the flower in her hair. A thought crossed his mind as he wondered what it was for.

  As the suited man laughed, a shadow of concern crossed his features. "It’s true! Just be careful—some scents in this city can be misleading." He gave them a pointed look, as if hinting at unspoken dangers lurking in the vibrant streets of Alcaea.

  Mutsumi exchanged glances with Vera and Dahlia, their shared curiosity igniting a sense of adventure yet again. "Thank you, sir! We’ll be careful, haha.." he replied, a newfound determination bubbling within him. He felt his tail waving around again behind him, a sign of his gratefulness, perhaps.

  As the man turned to leave, he paused, casting one last glance over his shoulder. "Enjoy the city! Just try to remember—things aren’t always what they seem!"

  With his cryptic words lingering in the air, the trio sat in the softly lit lobby, the scent of lavender mingling with the promise of adventure just beyond the blinking exit lights.

  Mutsumi turned to Vera. She seemed comfy, lying on the couch, curled up like a baby fox. It was a nice recall to the snowing forests of Frostara. She seemed so calm and collected to just be suddenly sleeping on the soft cushions after her burst of energy. But he'd be lying if he said the lobby felt uncomfortable. The calm, lavender scent wafting in the air from a candle on the desk. Faint sounds of the wind outside- the fans on the ceiling blowing cooled air on top of them, like the cold winds of the night. There were small sounds of piano playing through a radio that the attendant had, the calming notes flowing like a forbidden melody through the air. Even the orange glow of the lights in the room- bathing it in a soft embrace that hushed the sense of familiarity through Mutsumi. These sorts of attributes to this lobby, really made a sort of... vibe. Mutsumi knew that he couldn't deny it himself.

  He turned to Dahlia, who sat beside the sleeping Vera, gently stroking her unkempt tail- watching as it flickered with each bit of snow that still covered it seemed to melt away in the warmth.

  Mutsumi walked over to them, leaning back against the couch and feeling the warmth of Dahlia and Vera beside him. They were cocooned in the soft glow of the lobby, a serene refuge from the bustling world outside, and a brief respite from the coldness of Frostara.. He took a deep breath, letting the lavender scent fill his lungs, grounding him in the presence.

  Dahlia glanced at him, a playful smile crossing her lips. “You know, this isn’t so bad for a late-night adventure, right?” She lightly tousled Vera’s green hair, her fingers gently combing through the soft strands that trailed down her slightly flushed cheeks.

  “Yeah,” Mutsumi replied, a smile tugging at his own lips. “It feels… safe here.” He shifted slightly, pulling his knees up to his chest, enveloped in the cozy atmosphere. The distant sound of piano notes floated around them, creating a soothing backdrop.

  Vera stirred slightly, her tail flicking in response to Dahlia's touch, but she didn’t wake. Mutsumi watched her for a moment, feeling a sense of protectiveness wash over him. In this quiet space, with the flickering candlelight and the soft rustle of the fans, he realized how much he cherished this feeling of camaraderie.

  As the minutes passed, the weight of the day began to settle in. Mutsumi felt his eyelids grow heavy. The warmth of the couch and the rhythmic sounds of the lobby wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. He glanced at Dahlia, who had settled back with a contented sigh, and then at Vera, her peaceful expression a reminder of the bond they shared.

  “Let’s just rest for a bit,” he murmured, more to himself than to them. In this moment, with the world outside fading away, he felt a sense of belonging that he hadn’t realized he was missing.

  "Sure, Mutsumi." Dahlia quietly responded, still stroking Vera's tail, not seemingly tired. A smile came to her face, as she took in the lavender air provided by the lobby. Another contented sigh came out from her... Her thoughts began to weave their way through her consciousness, the lavender scent transporting her back to simpler times. She recalled a life as a forest-dwelling elf, where the air was filled with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves, old friends, old secrets- who were all so... hazy and distant. Those memories wrapped around her like a warm embrace, reminding her of the peace- and perhaps fun, she once knew. Right before her accidental arrow, whistling through the trees and into a human. It's painful thought to come to her mind, yes- but... she seemed to accept that.

  The lavender scent in the air seemed to dissipate into the air, leaving the room clear. The trio soon fell into slumber, the lobby lights dimming, like a blanket of darkness had fallen upon them, and the three of them sat, huddled together.

  (End of Part 22.)

  Part 23, Damian.

  Before Mutsumi, and the others arrived on Noxara...

  He woke up in a government office, stirring awake. His eyes squinted to adjust to the darkness around him, the computers and monitors humming with electricity. The room was quiet, leaving him with his mind, his seemingly lost thoughts. He closed his eyes and sat, entering his mind. His tail, concealed by his hoodie, slowly flicked outwards- hovering smoothly in the air. 'I... I'm still here? Still alive? Was all of that just a dream? No, it couldn't be. I was there. I felt that... sparks of electricity... I should... no, no.. hold on.. that fox... I... I recognize him. And that girl... something about her... Oh... right, they were... they were the other trials... I had heard around.. that boy... Mutsumi... he had such power... He looked different..' Damian was in thought, interrupted as a warm glow began to fill the room. A doorway in the distance had opened, and someone had walked in. A man with a suit, glancing over the room, stepping around the booths, as if he was looking, searching for someone. Then, he stepped around Damian's booth. "Ah, there you are. You've been in here for a few hours. You okay? It's like you were in a coma. Three days, you know. What happened? How are you back here? You know, only the higher-ups know that you've broken out of that.. that world. How did you do it? What was it even like? It only seems like hours ago when you had been out in the world, stealing for survival." The man said. Damian shuffled around in his chair, pulling away his hood, his purple hair and fox ears being exposed to the man. They seemed to glow slightly. Damian glared at him angrily.

  "Do I need to remind you of why I'm here? I'm an experiment. You bastards took my family from me. Then you capture me, force me into a life of crime, capture me again, experiment on me, then I'm just sent to some other world? Like I'm some pawn to be messed with? You want to know what I saw? I saw a world of ice. People were there. People from this world. I could tell. A fox, and an elf. Previous people picked for a trial. The fox, unfairly banished. The elf? Valid evidence, changed to be pointed back at her. Then what you did to me, locking me away, giving me this darkness... this power.. What is it that you want... to rid this world of Demihumans? Is that it?" Damian barked, his words full of judgement and sorrow.

  "I thought going there was supposed to vent my frustration, but no... no, no! I'm only angrier!" He sparked, his eyes boring into the man's. "You know what? I have something to say. Take me to the higher-ups. See what they have to say to me. I have a proposition here, something only I can do. I need to find that fox. I know, they know. They know the way out. The way back to Noxara. It's only a matter of time, before the government falls. Let me help. Only I know what you're up against. That fox, he has a fire. A special fire. One that thrums and burns with elemental power. He's curious, cunning, caring. All of the sort. You won't be ready. Hell, I am not ready. So let me prepare. Spare me my plan." Damian said, letting out a hushed sigh near the end.

  The air in the office was cold, his breath coming out in a huff of smoke. The man stood over Damian, listening. Understood. If this fox is as dangerous as you say, we must gather them all. Send them to an unknown planet. The transporter is ready. Send as many Demis as you can. Foxes, wolves, elves, demons, hell, it doesn't matter just send them all to us. We'll get them out of here. They're a nuisance to the system, you know this. We don't tolerate threats here." The man responded coldly. "They don't belong here, anyway. What say you? You're a fox yourself. If you betray the government, you know what may happen to you. Be careful what you wish for, Damian."

  "Tch. Whatever." he scoffed, standing up and leaving walking to the office door. The air was still cold, and he had found it thick with tension as he turned to leave. His tail curled up behind him before retreating to his jacket yet again, hidden. "I'll be seeing you, Damian." The man said, watching as he slowly stepped away in silence. "We shall see what this fox inquires of you."

  Damian turned back, feeling the foreboding eyes of the man boring into his back. "I want eyes. Everywhere. If I find him-" Damian started, slightly hesitant. "If I find him.. i will capture him."

  Deep down, Damian knew it was wrong... why was he suddenly going after him? What did Mutsumi do to him? He felt the shock of his spear, the hesitation in Mutsumi's eyes from the past, the scorching forest, the screams of Dahlia. Why was he there? Did he have control of himself? No, no he didn't... he wouldn't have.. Damian's mind raced with questions he couldn't answer. Why did he want to find Mutsumi? Was it for revenge? Or was it something deeper? Had something deeper taken root? Anger? Guilt? Compassion? He didn’t even know anymore. It wasn’t supposed to be this way—he wasn’t supposed to care, he wasn't. Caring is what started this whole damned journey in the first place. The memory of the shock from the spear... the way Mutsumi hesitated, like he still saw some shred of humanity in him... it made Damian wonder. But his thoughts quickly got cut off by the man. "Damian? Are you alright?" He spoke, breaking his whimsical thoughts.

  Damian shook his head, trying to push the storm of thoughts away. "No, no. I’m fine," he muttered to himself. It was easier to lie to others than to face what he was really feeling. Easier to pretend it didn’t matter. Damian brushed his thoughts aside and stepped down the stairs, step-by-step. Even the stairs felt cold. He could see his own breaths coming out in small clouds of smoke. By the time he stepped to the bottom floor, he could see through the glass doors that it was raining. The entire lobby was dark. Lights off, cold air, just the unsettling hum of computers and such around him gave an uneasy feeling. He took it upon himself to sprint out of the creepily dark lobby room, slowing to a walking pace as he felt the rain brushing along his tail's fur. Looking into the sky while he walked, he accidentally bumped into someone. They were a fox, too. His race, his kin, theoretically. He seemed lost in thought, but Damian said something anyway. "My bad. Watch it." He continued to walk along the street, unsure where to go. The muse of colorful lights sit above him, the rain droplets gently hitting his face. For a moment, he stood, lost in thought. Did he want to be the government's puppet? They've already given him power... power he couldn't control, but... power. His family was gone, yet... He didn't have anyone. No-one to go to in times of need. Did he want to be given this power? Did he want to be out of control of himself? Maybe that's why he wanted to search. To search for Mutsumi. Someone with power. Someone who seemed without kin.

  With nowhere to go, his hands idly shuffled in his pockets, a small wad of cash for his 'services' with the government. How naive he was, at the beginning. 'They took my family from me. They took... my family from me.' He reminded himself. The human side of him wanted him to work, to just live his life... but the foxian side of him urged him to forget the government. Find Mutsumi. It wanted to make a difference that seemed impossible. Damian knew, firsthandedly- that the government wanted to wipe all demi's from Noxara.

  'Where would he be... where would he be... that fox... that damned fox...' His thoughts raced, unable to forget the image of hesitation in Mutsumi's eyes. His shoulder seemed to hurt, as if the stab wound from Mutsumi resonated within him. "Agh... that.. that wasn't a dream..." He winced, his hand clutching the wound in his shoulder. What else did he remember? He didn't seem to have control over himself at that time, like someone else had came out from his feelings, his darkness. He remembered the determination in Mutsumi's cold, electric eyes. He remembers how they bore into him, hitting the depths of his soul, unsure of how big this threat was...

  He walked away from the government office, rain beginning to soak through his jacket as he wandered aimlessly through the city. The streets of Noxara were oddly empty, but it suited his mood. His shoulder still ached from Mutsumi’s blow, the memory of that hesitation in Mutsumi’s eyes lingering as a persistent ache. He didn’t know why he was searching or even what he’d say if he found that fox.

  Through the misty streets, Damian saw a figure ahead: a lone elf, her gaze far off, rain droplets beading on her coat. She looked lost in thought.

  (End of Part 23. To be continued in Part 24.)

  Part 24. Alex.

  She stood by the edges of the road, so desperately wanted to be in the forest, where she truly belonged. She felt the droplets of rain touching her face, running down her cheeks like silent tears. There were no words in her mind, a whirlwind of thoughts compared to the silence and solace of the trees. She was worried about Nathan, yes, but his... his eagerness to revolt against a government? His discontent, his insistence- on resisting something she didn’t quite understand. His eagerness to revolt against a government she knew little about made her uneasy. She had lived a quiet life, away from the turmoil of city politics and the undercurrents of rebellion that swirled around Alcaea. Her roots were in the forest, her family in the trees and wilds—far from the struggles of the city. One that she knew nothing about?

  She couldn’t shake the image of him walking away, leaving her with nothing but the rain. Was she too naive? Too passive? She had her own battles, yes, her own inner conflicts, but they were quiet, manageable. Her loyalty to her family, to the forest—it all felt so distant now, when Nathan's fire seemed to burn with the promise of a fight she wasn’t sure she could stand behind.

  Suddenly, a figure appeared, silhouetted by the haze of the rain. A foxian, his steps slow, purposeful. She barely recognized him at first, but then his eyes met hers—cold, familiar, but with something else. A memory stirred within her, but she couldn’t place it. She held his gaze, the silent exchange of recognition hanging between them. He looked weary, in pain, and though he hadn’t said a word, she could feel the tension in him. Something dangerous lingered around him, like a storm waiting to break.

  She wanted to ask him what had brought him here, what had driven him to this city. But the moment felt wrong, off. Before she could speak, Damian turned and walked away, leaving nothing but the sound of his footsteps echoing in the rain-soaked street. Alex stood frozen, wondering if she had just missed something. She wanted to follow, to question him, but Mother Nature's voice rang through her head. "My elven child, turn back, stay away from him..." She hummed, her voice echoing in her ears, a soft whisper of warning. Alex felt... conflicted...

  Should she listen to the one that has kept her safe all this time? All of that guidance, misled? Misunderstood? Should she really follow him? Would something happen? Would she get locked down into a path she didn't want to take? She opened her mouth to speak, yet nothing but a quiet breath came from her. She wanted to speak, she wanted to... yet nothing but breaths came out. Smoke hovering outwards from her lips in a cloud of smoke, her shaky exhales quivering in the air. For a moment, Damian turned around. His eyes focused on her. She looked back, he looked back.

  The tension was overwhelming. Paralyzing, even. Then, Damian spoke. "Who... are you?" His words cut through her thoughts, like a knife to butter. The words urged her to speak, to respond to him. Mother Nature whispered in her mind, "No, my child... you must not reveal yourself..." but the words held no meaning, no... The words that once guided her were muffled by the storm of her thoughts, the rain falling gently on her face as her eyes gazed to his. Those dark, purple irises... a welcoming void...

  For a brief moment, she almost forgot where she was—standing in the street, in the rain, facing a stranger who was anything but. "I..." She started, her words cutting themselves off. "I'm... Alex. I'm an elf from the forest... I came to visit a friend of mine... you may have bumped into him.." Her words were a whisper, she wanted to speak more, to learn about him, for him to learn about her. He had this.. indistinguishable pull. It drew her in, closer and closer. She didn't even know that she was inching closer to him. "Did you require something of me, Damian?" Her words left him shook. 'How did she know my name? This... Alex, who is she?' Damian began to think. 'And... why is she getting closer to me?' His tail shifted behind him, uncurling cautiously at her growing proximity.

  Alex took a shaky breath, her voice barely audible over the soft patter of rain. "A-ah, sorry. I just... remember your face," she said, her words tentative, as if she were treading on fragile ground. "I... I saw your trial, back then. It was... it reminded me of how I lost someone close to me..."

  Damian's eyes narrowed, the rain cascading down his hood, but he didn't interrupt her.

  "Did you know anyone who goes by the name... Dahlia?" Her voice quivered slightly, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. There was a quiet desperation in her eyes, a hope that perhaps this foxian before her might hold answers to questions that had long haunted her. Damian’s ears perked up at the name, his expression shifting between recognition and guarded suspicion. Dahlia... that was a name he had not expected to hear, especially not from a stranger in the rain. He tilted his head slightly, studying her with newfound curiosity.

  The air seemed to grow heavier, the rain slowing as if time itself had paused, waiting for his response.

  "What's it to you? Are you looking for her?" He replied, his tail moving to wrap around his leg, a sort-of cautious reflex. She knew something. She had to. But how much? And why? He couldn't tell if she was a threat or simply curious, but her knowing Dahlia's name sent a shiver down his spine.

  Wasn't she the one who he had.. no, it couldn't have been..

  But those eyes... they were familiar. The smoke, the flames, the screams... it all came rushing back. Damian's mind was a whirlwind, trying to piece together memories that felt like fragments of a dream. Could she have been there?

  His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Alex. “What do you know about Dahlia?” His voice was a low growl, laced with suspicion. His tail tightened around his leg, his instincts on edge. "Do you know any... distinguishing details about this... Dahlia?" He spoke, his voice, low, almost hesitant. It was as if he were testing her. His eyes bore into hers, searching for any hint of a lie. The rain was still falling, each drop a steady drumbeat in the silence between them.

  Alex swallowed, her breath hitching. “She... she has silver hair, like moonlight. Eyes like the forest after a storm—deep, green, and piercing.” Her words were soft, almost reverent, as if speaking of someone cherished. “She always wore a small pendant shaped like a leaf... It was something her family gave her. She carried a bow with her a majority of the time, in case she wanted to go hunting... She wanted to bond with me, get closer to the true nature of elves... not this.. strange city... but that one day changed it all..." Alex's eyes seemed to darken as she spoke the words to him. Damian, his tail slowly uncoiled from his leg, his mind instead filling with thoughts from her words. 'Silver hair... Green eyes... A pendant..? And a... a bow.' Her words echoed in his mind. It was her. It's the exact description. 'I almost killed her. I almost killed her.' He tried to block the thought from his mind. "What... what happened?" Damian suddenly asked, stepping closer to Alex. "I'd feel bad if I didn't know..." 'If I didn't know? Am I crazy? Why do I care?' The thought clashed against the storm raging within him. But he couldn't ignore the pull, the need to understand what had happened. 'To know if I truly... broke her, I... She was hurt... I know what happened had hurt... I couldn't control that... She was hurt... I know it hurt her... but I couldn’t control it, could I?' The words tumbled in his mind, guilt twisting his insides. 'I didn't mean to... but I did.'

  His thoughts were cut off when Alex slowly walked up, wrapping her arms around him. She was... crying? "I... I just want... I just want to see her again..." She whined, holding him tightly. It pulled at his heartstrings. Her sadness, his inner turmoil... it seemed to resonate within him. He felt his tail moving, wrapping around her leg. For a moment, he felt the soft coil of his tail wrapping gently around her leg, an unspoken gesture of comfort.. He slowly held her, listening to her mixed sobs, and the rain falling gently on the ground around them. "I'll find her for you. Don't worry." He said, gently patting her head. 'I should... have a change of heart. Screw the government... they've done so much to me... maybe I should just... do what feels right to me. It was never fair to begin with.'

  As he comforted her, his hand brushing along the soft strands of white hair on her scalp, he felt a yawn escape him. "Ah... I'm a bit tired, Alex..." His voice was quiet, the weariness in it, undeniable. His gaze drifted to his surroundings, and his eyes settled on the warm glow of an inn in the distance. It stood out against the darkness, a beacon calling him to rest. He looked at the tall building, its comforting light offering a brief respite in the endless night.

  Turning his attention back to Alex, he bent slightly, his voice soft and concerned. "Is everything alright?" he whispered, feeling the weight of her sobs still clinging to the air between them.

  Alex gazed up at him, her eyes dreamily staring into his, as if searching for something hidden beneath the cold, hardened exterior. Damian felt a strange sensation under her gaze, like her eyes were peeling back the layers of his soul, trying to uncover the secrets he buried deep within.

  For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away—the rain, the distant murmur of the city, the storm raging within his own mind. All he could see were those eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity, sorrow, and something else he couldn't quite place.

  “Why do you... care so much?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, almost as if he didn’t want to hear the answer himself. His tail flicked nervously behind him, a telltale sign of his inner turmoil.

  Alex blinked, her lips parting as if she was about to speak, but hesitation held her back. The words were there, but they were caught in her throat, tangled up in the warnings of Mother Nature and her own conflicted thoughts.

  “I... I don’t know,” she finally admitted, her voice trembling. “But I can see it in your eyes... that you’re lost. Like me.” Damian’s breath hitched at her words, a sharp pang of recognition hitting him. Lost. Yes, that’s exactly what he was—wandering in a world that had discarded him, betrayed by those he once trusted. “Don’t... Don't assume you know me!” he snapped, though the bite in his words were weak, almost hollow. Alex didn't move, didn't flinch. Instead, she reached out, her hand hovering just inches away from his chest, as if she was afraid to touch him yet couldn’t pull away. “But I want to know you... I want to understand.” A growl rumbled low in Damian’s throat, but it was more out of frustration than anger. He couldn’t understand why this elf—this stranger—was so determined to break through the walls he had built.

  Alex took a deep breath, the rain-soaked air filling her lungs as she closed her eyes for a moment. She could feel the pulse of nature around her, even here in the damp streets far from her beloved forest. It was a gentle hum, a whispering presence that she had come to recognize as Mother Nature’s guidance. "Show me your pain, Damian," she said softly, her voice carrying an otherworldly calmness. She took a step closer, the distance between them closing. "Mother Nature... she's given me a gift. A gift of health. Let me soothe your pains."

  Damian looked at her, bewildered, as if he was unsure whether to trust her or push her away. He hesitated, his instincts telling him that no one offered kindness without a cost. But something in Alex's gaze—so pure, so earnest—made him pause.

  Her hands trembled slightly, but it wasn't out of fear—it was the weight of the power she was about to call upon. She could feel the pull of the earth beneath her feet, the quiet hum of life all around them, but more importantly, she could feel the disturbance in Damian’s own energy. The pain was raw and unhealed, wrapped up in something darker.

  "She has seen your pain," Alex continued, her voice a soft hum. "And she wishes for you to be free. To make your own choices..."

  She extended her hand towards him, not as a stranger offering help, but as someone who understood. Her gift was not one of force, but of empathy. Her fingers, now glowing faintly with a soft green light, hovered over his shoulder. It wasn’t just the physical wound she could heal, but the emotional scars buried deep within him, the ones he may not even realize were there.

  Damian tensed for a moment, unsure of how to respond. His mind told him to pull away, to shut her out. He didn’t know this girl—how could she possibly understand what he’d gone through? But there was something in her eyes... something that made the pain in his shoulder feel more like a distant ache than a sharp stab. “Why?” he asked, his voice low, though his eyes softened as he glanced at her. “Why would you do this for me? After everything I’ve done?” Alex’s smile was small, but warm, as if she carried the weight of the world and yet still found joy in small acts of kindness. “Because... pain doesn’t define who we are, Damian,” she said, her hand finally making contact with his skin, the green light beginning to pulse. “Mother Nature wants to remind us of that—no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. We all deserve a chance to heal. To forget the worries..."

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Her words were like strings on a harp to him. He felt the warmth behind her gaze, the hopefulness of her heartbeat against his. "Alex... how can I.. What can I do for you..?"

  Her smile softened, a quiet sadness behind it as she lowered her hand. “You don’t need to do anything, Damian,” she said, the sound of her voice like a gentle breeze brushing against the trees. “This... this is something I offer because I can. Because I want to. No strings attached.” She held her smile up at him. "You’re a strange one," he muttered, a dry laugh escaping his lips. “I don’t know how to handle that.” Alex’s smile widened just a little. "I think... I think you’ve been through enough to know that not everything needs to be complicated, Damian. Sometimes, healing doesn’t need a reason—just a moment of understanding."

  Damian's tail wagged slowly in the air. The rain seemed to come back as his eyes went back to the inn in the distance. "...Thanks." There was a moment of hesitation behind his words, as his mind had doubts. "So what else do you know about me, Alex?"

  Alex’s gaze softened as she noticed the change in his posture, the subtle wag of his tail—a sign that maybe, just maybe, he was starting to soften, too. Her heart ached for him, though she couldn’t entirely understand his burdens. The rain continued to fall, quiet yet persistent, like a natural rhythm that soothed the air between them.

  She tilted her head slightly, sensing the shift in Damian’s tone, the underlying question. “What else do I know about you?” she repeated, almost as if weighing her words. “Mother Nature tells me... I know that you’ve suffered... a lot. The trial, the fire, the things you’ve done, the things that haunt you.” He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to her words. For a moment, the memory of that moment with Dahlia flashing before him. The fire, the destruction, the pain. “I wasn’t myself,” he whispered. “I never wanted to hurt her. But I... I did. I let the darkness take me. I let it...” His voice broke, and he felt a tear slip down his cheek, though he didn’t care enough to wipe it away. “I almost killed her. I couldn’t stop myself.”

  Alex stepped closer, her hand lightly touching his arm in an attempt to comfort him. “It wasn’t you, Damian. I know it wasn’t you.” She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for the truth. “And Dahlia... she... I'm sure she knows that too.” Damian’s chest tightened, a mixture of relief and sorrow flooding through him. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for redemption. That the guilt he had carried with him for so long didn’t have to define him forever.

  "I want to believe. I want to forget the government. Show me the way, Alex. Show me the way.. to peace in Noxara." His words were hopeful, empathetic. His eyes shined with a determination. He looked back, she looked back. Alex nodded, hugging him tightly. "Acceptance..." She started. "I can accept you... to the forest... allow Mother Nature to guide you.."

  His eyes went back to the inn that stood like a tall tower in the distance. He didn't feel the need to go anymore. He wanted to go. Go into the forest with Alex. Survive without people, without problems or pain or turmoil, but... He had an objective. Something he wanted to do... "As much as I'd love that..." he started, gazing into her eyes, crouching onto the ground, the water coating into his leggings. A shiver came from him as he lowered himself to be equal height with her... his hand came up, his tail wagging slowly. Was he excited? He didn't know. "I... have things I have to do." His voice came out in a soft whisper. "I understand. Mother Nature understands. Everyone has a time." Her words resonated with him, a truth that he knew was right. "I'll... I'll come back, okay?" He gazed into her eyes, waiting for a response.

  She nodded, wrapping her arms around him. "I know. We will be waiting for you. A redemption is in order."

  (End of Part 24.)

  Part 25, Whispers of Redemption

  'Redemption is in order...'

  'Redemption is in order...'

  'Redemption.. order..'

  Mutsumi jolted awake. The lobby was dark, quiet. He could hear the gentle patter of rain against the windows. "I guess... I'm alone for now." He whispered to himself. He stood from the couch in the lobby, his tail swiveling between his friends. Turning around, he gazed at Dahlia, at Vera. A smile came to his face as he thought of something. "I guess we are really back..." He hummed. Leaning down, he came face to face with Dahlia, feeling her gentle, sleeping breaths on his face. She stirred in her sleep slightly, letting out soft murmurs of discomfort. Mutsumi saw this, and he kissed her forehead. "Sleep, my love..." He whispered. 'My love... should I have said that? They aren't awake... but..'

  His eyes lingered on Dahlia's peaceful expression, her silver hair splayed out like a halo against the fabric of the couch. For a moment, he felt a warmth in his chest, a... moment of contentment that he hadn’t known he needed. But then the word echoed again in his mind. 'Redemption...'

  She was an angel, lighting up the darkness for him. His darkness. He stood up, carefully stepping away so as not to disturb her. The rain continued to patter softly against the windows, a soothing rhythm that contrasted with the storm brewing within him. His gaze drifted over to Vera, curled up in a chair, her wild nature momentarily tamed by sleep. "I guess... I'm not as alone as I thought," he murmured to himself. He felt drawn to the two of them. The room felt hot, so he opened a window. the sound of rain came in, a soothing ambiance, further muffling his steps. He went back to Dahlia and Vera, gazing down at them. For some reason, his foxian side wanted to bask in the warmth of the two. To take in their scent, the hint of the snow-filled forest smell from Vera, the perfume that wafted around Dahlia's greenish, pink hair.

  He started to reach out, his fingers tentatively brushing along the strands of Dahlia's scented hair. He enjoyed it, just for a moment. His thoughts were then cut off from a person outside of the hotel. 'He sound's tired...' Mutsumi thought, hesitantly pulling away his hand from the warmth of her hair. Taking cautious steps to the door, he pushed it open, listening to the rain and approaching steps, peering out, he couldn't see much, just a fox, like he was, stepping closer and closer. Mutsumi could tell something was dwelling in this strangers mind, his tail wrapped tightly around his leg as if he was cautious of anything in the rain. But his face, it seemed blurry, yet familiar. As he got closer, he could see this... glint. It was.. in his eyes. Purple, like lavender flowers, or a deep, deep magenta, maybe? He took a moment to think, then it came to him.

  It was the fox from the forest. The one he had so deeply analyzed in his mind. In reality, it wasn't even a fight. But here he is, right as the group comes to Noxara... It's too much of a coincidence...

  "Are you going to just... stand there? Or shall we talk? I wasn't expecting to see you here, Mutsumi, am I correct?" Damian stood still, gazing coldly at Mutsumi. His words were... almost a mix between teasing and compromise. He held a poster at his hands, it was... "It's an old wanted poster of you. What side am I on, Mutsumi? I know all about your... cause." He said, albeit unknowing what he planned, crumpling the poster, watching it slowly catch a purple-colored fire in his hands, the tension in the air growing, yet still cold and damp by the constant rain. Mutsumi didn't respond. Instead, he conjured up his spear, just like he trained to on Frostara... He held it cautiously, almost terrified, in a sense. He didn't want to fight, not here, not now, with Dahlia and Vera sleeping just behind him. But Damian's presence was like a shadow from his past, one he couldn't escape.

  "You're... not here for a fight, are you?" Mutsumi asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the sound almost lost in the rain. His eyes never left Damian's, searching for any sign of deception, any hint of movement. He felt his hands tightening on the spear, the tip of it slowly retracting back, getting more and more ready to charge out, pulsing with electric energy. The weight was increasing as well as the charge, the longer he held it. Even the tip began to have a yellow glow to it.

  "No, lest you give me a reason to." He stood still, the paper that was once there, a purple ball of ash. "What do you strive for, Mutsumi? Change? I'm open to it. My mind is broken, slowly trying to heal."

  "What do you want, Damian?" Mutsumi hissed, barely able to keep his voice steady. His heart was racing, every fiber of his being screaming to defend the ones behind him, the ones he loved. "You burned the forest, you nearly killed us all... And now you’re here, in my world. Why?"

  'Calmly, Mutsumi... calmly...'

  He repeated the words to himself, his breath shallow, his knuckles white around the spear. Every fiber of his being screamed for action, to lash out, but he held himself back. It was a fight he didn’t want, not here, not now, not with Vera and Dahlia so close. His heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the danger lurking in the rain. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could stay this composed.

  "Tell me why, Damian. Why now?" he spat, the edge of desperation creeping into his voice. "Why are you still here after all you’ve done?"

  The rain fell like a cold blanket over them, but it couldn’t wash away the tension between them. Damian's smirk never wavered, his posture still as controlled as ever, though there was something in his eyes that suggested he might not be as certain as he appeared. Mutsumi didn’t let his guard down. Not yet. Not yet, not yet, not yet.

  .

  .

  Was she sleeping? Dreaming? Dahlia couldn't tell. She was sitting in a church, people stood in front of her, holding hands. A human, and a tiger-like demi. She could notice the tail of the woman being locked, almost hidden behind the dress. She didn't look like she enjoyed being there. Was this arranged? Dahlia couldn't tell. This tiger... did she want to be there? Marrying a human? As vows were said, they were about to embrace.. until the tiger pulled away, doubt flashed into her eyes. "I don't want to! I don't!" She yelled, her words ringing through the hall. The man tried to grab her wrist, gently, lovingly, awe-struck... but she lashed out, lunging at the man, her fangs exposed, sinking deep into his neck, coating bits of her veil with a red color. Her dress, coated in a stripe of red, the mans neck, bloodied by the attack.

  She was dreaming, had to be. Dahlia watched in horror as the woman quickly dashed out of the room, her orange tail streaking behind her-

  She startled awake.

  To see Mutsumi standing at the door.

  "M-mm... Mutsumi... what are you doing..?" She murmured, her vision still hazy from the dream, her vision blurry. Mutsumi's voice came from the open door.

  "Dahlia? Why are you awake? Isn't it late?"

  Dahlia blinked a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. That dream... The church, the screaming, the blood—it all faded away, replaced by the thoughts of her inner thoughts, wanting to love, but unable to come to that realization. What if she got found again? Went to the void for what could be the last time in her life? What if she lost Mutsumi? Her thoughts were drowned out by the soft glow of the lobby and the sound of rain tapping against the windows.

  "I... I don't know," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she pushed herself up on the couch. "I had... a dream, I think..."

  Dahlia caught a glimpse of the back of his spear, retracted and charged. "Mutsumi, is everything alright? Is someone out there? Why do you have your.... spear?" She wanted to inch closer, but the fear of being discovered again, held her back.

  "Stay back, Dahlia." Mutsumi called out, cautiousness brushed along his every stance. 'I'm not going to lose her. Not here. Not now.' His gaze went back to Damian "Please. I don't want to do this. You've burned an entire forest, what else could you want?" His voice was cold, unwavering, a hint of forgiveness in his tone as he spoke. The ground around his began to sheen over with a thin layer of frost, the surrounding ground- frosting over as the rain hit the ground. Mutsumi's hair flashed blue, his foxian ears and tail changing to the same mystical hue. His tail coiled tightly around his own leg, as if to ground himself, to keep his emotions from spiraling out of control.

  Was he going to strike, or was Damian? Damian stood still, his lavender eyes reflecting the cold fire in Mutsumi's gaze, the rain sizzling into steam as it touched the growing frost. There was a pause—a moment suspended in time—where neither moved, both poised at the edge of conflict. But Damian only smirked, a twisted mix of challenge and curiosity. "What I want...?" His voice was a whisper, yet it cut through the tension like a blade, one that he didn't have. "I want to see if you've truly changed, Mutsumi. If you're as different as you claim to be... or if you’re just as broken as I am."

  'Broken? I couldn't possibly be broken... just lost...' His mind began to swirl, chills running through him, unlike the freezing rain. Damian smirked, watching his reaction, he closed his hand, the purple embers of fire dissipating. "Maybe we aren't so different." Mutsumi's heart pounded, his thoughts a chaotic mess. 'No... I’m not like him. I can’t be.' But the words echoed in his mind, unsettling him, sowing seeds of doubt.

  His grip loosened, and with a decisive motion, he plunged his spear into the ground, letting the energy dissipate into the earth. The ground hissed as the ice melted away around him. "I'm tired of this," he murmured, his voice soft but steady. "I'm sorry for what happened in that... other world, Damian. I know we've both been hurt." He glanced back at the inn, where Dahlia and Vera still lay in a fragile peace. "We should put this behind us. We should make up. There’s been enough pain for both of us." He whispered, his breath coming out in a small, cold cloud of smoke. "What do you require of me, Damian?" Mutsumi shakily extended his hand. Accepting, forgiving. "Make a choice."

  "Actually... I did need you for something.. but I'm on a different path. Redemption, maybe. I've seen so many get lost, sent to other worlds.. And then for those... bastards to come and say I may be next..." The man's words echoed in his mind... 'They don't belong here, anyway. What say you? You're a fox yourself. If you betray the government, you know what may happen to you. Be careful what you wish for, Damian.' "I want to make a change, Mutsumi." Damian brushed away his feelings, gazing down at the hand that lay extended to him, the rain falling gently around them both. It was cold. It felt cold. But as he extended his hand, wrapping it around his, Damian's body felt cold in an instant. Every part of him seemed to shiver. But then he thought of something. If Mutsumi's touch could be altered, if it could be so cold in an instance of caution, maybe he could heat it up...

  Little by little, the cold began to lessen, a tentative warmth spreading through their joined hands. It was fleeting, but it was there—a spark of hope between two broken souls.

  (End of Part 25.)

  Part 26, Examination-Explanation

  Through the door, she could see them handshaking. Mutsumi released his hand, turning back to the inn's entrance. He took a few steps to approach Dahlia, wrapping his arms around her. "Sorry, just felt like it." He whispered, his hands reaching into her hair, glimmering in the light of the city outside. She shivered, her body heat fading, almost transferring to his coldness. "B-brr... Mutsumi..." She whispered. "You're.. freezing.." Still, she wrapped her arms around him. Despite the chill, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she tightened her embrace, trying to share her warmth with him, her heart beating faster with each second of their closeness.

  "Dahlia, I need you to trust me." Mutsumi's voice was a low whisper, almost drowned out by the patter of rain outside. He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes, his expression serious, almost pleading. "Do you remember, in the forest? When... when that guy showed up?"

  Her eyes widened instantly, and she took a shaky step back, a mix of shock, anticipation, and fear flooding her features. The memory resurfaced like a wound torn open, raw and vivid. "Mutsumi... Don't tell me..." she whispered, her voice breaking. She could still see the shadows of that day, the eerie silence of the forest shattered by his presence. Mutsumi reached out, gently cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing away the fear that clouded her gaze. "He's here, Dahlia. I saw him again... Damian."

  The color drained from her face. Her fingers dug into his arms as if to anchor herself from the oncoming storm. "No... How? Why would he...?" She struggled to find the words, the fear of the past returning to haunt their fragile peace.

  "Hey, hey, It's okay.. I don't know what he wants yet," Mutsumi replied, his eyes never leaving hers. "But whatever it is, I need you to stay close. I can't let anything happen to you... not again. It's okay. He's... he's on our side. He's been hurt too. From the government... Just like us, Dahlia.."

  He held her closely.

  A tear fell from her cheek at the memories that came flooding back, the burning forest, her muffled screams of help, the overwhelming heat, and smoke... "Damian? On our side? After.. after everything, Mutsumi..?" He brushed her tear away. "I know, Dahlia. I know what he did... what he put us through. But he's broken too, just like us. The government twisted him, hurt him." His voice grew softer, almost pleading. "If there’s a chance... even a small one... that he can change, shouldn’t we try?"

  As Mutsumi finished his words, he heard Damian stepping through the door behind him.

  "Change? Funny word, no? I've been trying to change for as long as I remember." 'Ever since I left that damned office.' "Some wounds never heal, do they?" Damian's eyes went to Dahlia. At first, it was like he were staring daggers into her chest, reopening old wounds. "Damian, this isn't the ti-" Mutsumi starts, defensive, but ends up getting cut off by Damian's voice. "No, let her speak. I want her to say it. To see if I deserve a second chance. Or should I be left and burn, like that forest?"

  Dahlia tensed up at the thought. She found herself staring deeply into his eyes, sensing the pain, and hurt, but also his semblance of hope, and longing. Mutsumi's gentle hold on her shoulder kept her grounded, held to the situation.

  "I'm... not sure if I can forgive you. But if you're willing to change... as Mutsumi says... I'm... I'll be willing to give you a chance..." Her voice came out shaky, hesitant. Then Damian's voice rang out calmly, quietly.

  "Then all is well, sweet elf. Say, someone was looking for you. Another elf who goes by 'Alex'. I don't know their intentions, but i plan to change, with them. I don't want to... be like this anymore. I may just run to the forest, learning to change... I don't want to be a government pawn. But I know a way to get to them. Get in, get some sort of evidence of what they do, what they've done on the inside. They can't just explain the multiple disappearances of all of the demi's that vanish within Noxara." He let out a frustrated sigh, his hands clenching the empty air around him, tired of having to deal with the weight of everything the government has had to do with his life. "I hate this." His tail flicked behind him, an erratic motion betraying the storm within.

  "I hate what they’ve turned me into. I hate what they’ve taken from me." His gaze fell to the ground, rainwater from his hair pooling at his feet, rippling with every strained breath. "Do you know what it’s like, Mutsumi? To have everything you care about burned to the ground—and then to be forced to stand in the ashes, pretending you're fine?"

  Damian's voice cracked, but he quickly composed himself, the edge of his anger sharpening again. "I was a person once. Before all this. I still am... aren't I?

  Before Damian could spiral further, Mutsumi stepped forward, his voice steady but gentle. "I don’t remember everything, Damian. Not my past, not the people I might have lost, or before the void." He paused, his spear dissolving into faint trails of light as he softened his stance. "But I know the weight you're carrying. I can feel it. And you’re not alone." Damian glanced at him, skeptical, his eyes narrowing. Mutsumi continued, his tone almost pleading, "The things we've been through—they shape us, but they don’t have to define us. You’re not a monster, Damian. You're just... lost. Like I am. But we can find our way. Together."

  Mutsumi's hand hovered in the air for a moment before resting on Damian's shoulder, a simple gesture. "It’s not too late to change. Not for you, not for any of us."

  "Thanks, I guess. Hey, back on Frostara- that's what they called it-.. why didn't you just... end me then? Back when you were at full charge, back when you almost..." Damian took a long sigh, his voice trailing off and his stature shifting with a slump of his shoulders. "..Nevermind that. The thing is, there are other worlds out there. Other worlds, full of their own troubles. Think about the people I- we would be saving, Mutsumi. I don't want to sit on the sidelines, not again, not anymore." Damian stood there with a blank face, waiting for a response, yet there was a glimmer in his eyes, his tail flickering back and forth as each second went on, like he was *eager* for adventure, to do some good in his life again.

  Mutsumi listened intently at Damian's voice, he heard the pain in Damian’s voice—the weight of regret, the yearning to redeem himself. But there was something more: hope. Fragile, flickering hope that mirrored Mutsumi’s own. "I didn't end you there, because I saw something, Damian. Something in you. Not just destruction, or anger, but someone, struggling to fight themself. Someone who needed another chance. So here we are. What's this... about other worlds, now?" He said, eyes darting around the room, his tail wrapping around his leg, his curiosity piqued. "Like... Frostara? Noxara? Just other worlds? You say that other demi's, the persecuted- per-say, got sent to these worlds. But I saw no-one in the void... Are there different voids for different worlds? Or... is there an alternative way to send them... to these worlds...?" Mutsumi's gaze went down to his hands. I could have went somewhere else... I could have-" 'no, no. Get a hold of yourself.' Damian took a step forward, his gaze falling onto Mutsumi. "You... okay?" His words snapped him out of his daze. "Y-yeah. I'm fine. I'm fine."

  Shaking away his thoughts, Damian spoke to him again. "Hey, Mutsumi. You want to change the world for the better... right? I was their pawn... being forced to work for them, but now... we can make a difference- while finding ourselves. The other demi's don't have the liberty that we have, the power.."

  His tail flicked behind him, back and forth... like his mind was whirling with thoughts. "I'm... still trying to figure out how this all works. There was a government building that I came from not too long ago... I saw a room that had camera feeds, walls of monitors. I couldn't see what, though, there was a cloud of smoke blocking the rest, fog on the window. I think we should check it out.. find out what's really going on beneath the surface."

  "Then... maybe we should go.." Dahlia yawned behind the two, her voice laced with sleepiness. "Should I wake up Vera..?" She whispered, turning back to the sleeping wolf, still curled into a small ball. 'Hehe.. She's... kinda cute like that...'

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  A cloud of snow filled the landscape, she felt the whistling air around her brushing through her green hair, her tail whipping around behind her. There were flowers all around her, covered in icy shards of frost. She felt free. Powerful, and powerless. Like she had so much more to discover about herself, the world she now found herself in. But there seemed to be a mirror in front of her, covered in frost- as if something kept her restricted from doing what she wanted to. She was free, but what boundaries could she change on her own? Thoughts swirled in her mind. 'What if Mutsumi and Dahlia weren't there?' She'd just be a wild wolf in a wild world. The snowfall began to intensify, before turning to droplets of rain, clearing the snow beneath her into a mushy surface of ice, conveying her inner thoughts. She wanted true freedom, to do anything. Anything. Maybe with her friends, with him... she could get the freedom she wanted.

  Vera knew the world she was in had issues, and she wanted to help fix that. She laid back into the partially melted snow, the rainfall clearing away as she thought. 'If I can find more about myself... these powers that my friends have... seemingly awoken... what if I find my own powers... what would they be..' She hummed quietly, a hand reaching up and taking the pink flower that Dahlia slipped in her hair back on Frostara... four petals... holding the flower, small embers floated around her hand. Curious, she pulled off one of the four petals, crushing it with her other hand. The petal set ablaze, and she opened her hand, feeling a torrent of warmth, a small fire over her palm. Warm, orange light filled the scene as the fire grew. She was curious, holding out her hand. She put the flower back into her hair, then grabbing a fistful of snow, attempting to snuffle out the flame. To her surprise, it didn't work. Closing her palm again, the flame snuffled out considerably. When she pushed out her palm, the fire shot out of her hand, finally sniffling out due to the cold snow. She gazed down at her hand, intrigue filling her gaze. 'That's... interesting...' She wondered. Letting out a breath, the smoke dissipating in the air, she closed her eyes, with the thought of waking up.

  (Continue to next. End of Pt 26.)

  Part 27, Awakened Sparks/New Revelations

  When her eyes opened, Vera felt her ears perking up, catching every little sound that was made. Dahlia smiled as she stood over Vera. "Morning to you, sleepyhead. Maybe I didn't need to wake you. Were you dreaming?" Vera didn't respond, uncurling from her small ball-like form and shaking a little bit to wake up clearly. "..Huh..? Say that again, Dahlia..." Vera's voice was groggy, distant. She reached for the flower in her hair, feeling the petals. Five petals were felt. Maybe she was just dreaming, but she felt something. Like that extra petal could be important. She'd learn to control her power, limited or not. She knew she had to do something. The chatter in the room cut her buzzing mind off, pulling her back to the present.

  "Ahem... Where were we? Good evening, Vera. I know you were sleeping.. but we need you here. Now. We're taking a visit to a government building. So as unusual as it is for us to just go in, guns blazing... in a world that is completely unknown to you, we must do this. And I feel like we need you." Mutsumi's voice rang through her ears, somewhat commanding, he sounded motivated. Vera couldn't tell through her wooziness. Her tail flickered around behind her as she listened quietly.

  "You need... me?" She whispered, the sound of the rainfall outside still ringing in her ears, her voice still tinged with sleep. She blinked a few times, staring at Mutsumi's blue eyes. Then they went to the side, gazing at Damian. "Who... who's this guy? Why's his tail so dark compared to ours? Is he a fox like you?"

  Damian's ears flicked as he heard his name. He turned to face Vera, his gaze somewhat acknowledging. His dark, purple tail coiled around his leg. He was curious, yet intrigued.

  "He doesn't look too friendly.." Vera whispered, her hand brushing along the flower in her hair. "That's what they all say, until they know what I've been through.." He spoke, his voice quiet, tinged with regrets. "But we need to look past our differences. I'm Damian. Still trying to find my true calling, I suppose. How strong am I, really?" He whispered, gazing into Dahlia's green eyes. 'And what would it matter, at that..' His thoughts called out to him, wanting nothing more than to take control of him. "That's for you to find out.. You say that as if you're anything special.." Vera whispered out, her words catching Mutsumi's gaze.

  "Vera, you are perfectly capable of holding your own. You may have some hidden power, like the rest of us." He smiled warmly, holding out his hands, both of them doing their own, left- Ice crystals slowly formed in the palm of his hand, before slowly dissipating to a snowy powder. In his right hand, small sparks of electricity raced through his fingertips. "You'll get your calling, I'm sure of it." Vera nodded, her hands taking the flower out of her hair, feeling the warmth emanating from the mystical plant. The flower was warm, but she felt a soothing coolness coming from the flower. 'Ah... Maybe there's something other than fire... of the flower... I wonder.. there could be something more to this...' She held the flower closer to herself, before putting it back into her hair. "So... where are we going again..?" She whispered. "A government building. I saw a cloudy room with monitors of some sort. I couldn't entirely see, so I thought I'd bring it up. So we're going there." Damian explained, his purple eyes boring into Vera's. "Uh... alright." She awkwardly shuffled away.

  "We should get a move on, guys...." Mutsumi whispered, his white tail floating around behind him in the air. Brushing past damian, Mutsumi let his hand push open the hotel doors, the mystical rainfall engulfing the quiet whispers of the group. Outstretching his hand, he could feel the cool droplets falling between his fingertips- the blue glow of his eyes reflected back his gaze into one of the many puddles that had formed in the concrete floor below him. Mutsumi felt his heart start to beat, the excitement of more exploration finally starting to catch up to him, settling in his mind. Their adventure could end, or it could keep going. 'I hope it can keep going-at least for a little while longer. We need to make a difference...' The fate of demihumans were in their hands. And he had to make sure it was better. Better than what they have now. Maybe that government building was important. He'd never know. That vague, foggy, interior was intriguing to him.

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  Among the chatter, Damian quietly shuffled away from Vera and Dahlia. He felt his phone ring in his pocket, and his tail curled around his leg. Putting the phone to his ear, he waited quietly.

  "Damian." "I know. I found the group. A fox, wolf, and an elf. I'll be taking them to the office. Don't expect them to be friendly."

  "Understood. We'll be watching."

  "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

  *Click!*

  "I really hate that guy."

  Mutsumi gazed back into the building, seeing Damian far from the group, talking. As he approached, Damian stuck the phone in his pocket, his tail curled around his leg in caution. His voice came out soft, yet concerned. "Damian... Who were you talking to?" Mutsumi asked, a glint of suspicion in his eyes, his tail unraveling from his leg, moving wildly behind him, his alertness shown as his steps drew subtly closer. Damian shivered, the cold gaze of Mutsumi, and the room itself making him tense. "Got called by some government pawn.. Hate the guy, genuinely. Thinks he knows all about me or something. They want us to think they have control over us. I told them where we'd be going. Sorry. So I have tricks," Damian returned, holding out his hand, dark-purple embers of flame bursting from his palm, filling the area near him with a chilling purple hue- just showing off. As he closed his hand, the flame dissipated. "...and if they get in out way..." He starts, his smile slowly fading. "I'll...-" Mutsumi cut him off, his own words hesitant- almost frozen, not wanting to come out. "We'll be there. We can fight, together. I freeze, You burn.. Capishe?" Damian only nodded in response. "I'll.. take note of that. They'll be expecting us, so be on guard. I know I would, at least." Damians gaze flickered with regret. "Damian.., why would you tell them..?" Mutsumi queried, leaning down in front of him. "I... don't know.. they say my family is still here. Still living. After that fire, Mutsumi... they were lost. presumed dead, while I simply ran. I survived, carrying the guilt. I wasn't in the wrong, then. I was a good kid. But now look at me. Rebelling. Still here. Even then, I can't lie to them. What if I lose my only chance to see my family again? What if I perish? What if I can't explore the world anymore?? What would I do?? What about Alex??" Panic filled his eyes as he tried to make sense of it all. Mutsumi could only sit and watch this happen. Wanting to lend a helping hand, he let the cooling mist spray over Damians forehead, dispersing the thoughts. "Hey, hey. Listen to me. We'll get them back. Don't lose control just yet." Mutsumi whispered. "Don't let your darkness control you, Damian. You got this." His voice came out quietly, calming, soothing. "Whoever this 'Alex' person is for you... imagine them. How important they are to you. Just think of their voice... guiding you..." His hand softly fell onto Damian's shoulder, Mutsumi's gaze, gentle. understanding. "Think of your future with them.

  "My future.. with them? With her? I want to change, you know that. She says she can understand- can tell what I've been through. She healed my pain. Just a little.

  "You'll see that future with them."

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  "My child, you seem conflicted. Is something the matter, Alex?" The words of guidance broke through her thoughts as she gazed around the vast forest. "Nothing, Mother.. Just thinking, is all..." Her words carried a heavy doubt, the cold air brushing against her skin. "How come you're in my head? Of all the elven people... Am I really that special..?" She whispered into the sky, gazing intently at the numerous trees that surrounded her. The moonlight lit the path in front of her, while the city lights- growing more and more distant as she took heavy, calm steps back to where she came. Then, she heard the voice of Mother Nature yet again. "You are special, my child. Gifted with the grace of healing, of helping and supporting others. Shouldn't you cherish the ability? To heal any sort of pain, of turmoil? How come you seem so full of sorrow?" "I wanted to help the world, Mother Nature.. Help this city... But in all... I want to help the world.. You've seen my mind, seen what I've seen... so why focus so much on the little things... I want to help him.. teach him the ways to peace... what was he going to do when he met that fox he mentioned? It worries me... what if Damian gets hurt again.. I can't let that happen, I shan't..." Her words wavered, her emotions getting the better of her. She quietly sat on the leaves beneath her feet, placing her palms on her face.

  "My elf... these thoughts... they are yours... to seek, to cherish... you wish for peace among all kinds... among the worlds- towns, cities... you wish to use your powers more... to help.. support... Go.. find that fox... Create your path... I can sense.. your heart- it yearns for understanding.. Remember that fox you healed, talked to.. gave support.. He too yearns for peace.. for solace..."

  The words floated around in her head, as she was trying to make sense of the guiding words, to try and get a hold of it all...

  "He wished for peace... for freedom.. Mother, where could I find him..?" Her words rang out into the forest, lost, determined... as the rainfall drowned them out, gently pattering on the ground.

  "That fox... he went to a hotel..."

  "A.. hotel..? O-okay... Mother, guide me..." She whispered, slowly stepping through the rainfall, then breaking into a sprint to the city. 'I'll find him!'

  (End of part 27.)

  Part 28, Requited Infatuation

  The thoughts of Alex calmed Damian down significantly. Her smile, her hair, the entrancing way she spoke to him...

  "Mutsumi.. Before we leave to go investigate this building.. could we visit the forest? I wanted to- needed to see her... You guys need to see her too.." Damian whispered out, his tail making little effort to curl around his leg again, the words he spoke being shaky, nervous. "Also- Mutsumi? I should probably ask..." At the mention of his name, Mutsumi's ears perked up. "What's up, Damian? Buddy?" Damians eyes started to water slightly, his gaze going from Vera and Dahlia in the distance as he spoke. "Do you believe.. that someone like me, could love? Could be loved, Mutsumi? Someone whose made so many mistakes, so many... screwed up choices? Could love make it better? Make up those decisions? Would she make me better? Make us better? Tell me, Mutsumi... Tell me.." Tears streamed down his face the longer his words went on, Damian then falling to his knees, covering his face with his hands. Mutsumi watched this episode, sitting beside him on the floor. "Hey, it'll be okay." Mutsumi whispered, wrapping his arms around Damian, patting his back. "We'll stop by. If it makes you feel any better, we should go. Just the two of us. Unless you'd like to sit for a bit with me? You'll find your love. Eventually." Mutsumi flashed him a warm smile. "Hey, we've both been through hell, I'd say. It may just be me, but we'd be good friends despite our circumstances, Damian. What if everything that happened to us didn't happen? You think we'd be good friends, man?"

  "Haha.. yeah. Do you think we'll find her? These nights are eternal... Alcaea, with how fast the days and nights went on... that world.. She could be anywhere- hidden in the night, the moon illuminating her path. She had smooth, soft hair, dark green eyes... the power of healing..." He could go on and on about how great she was, how she could help him change... "We need her. She can help me. Help us." Mutsumi nodded. "It wouldn't hurt to always go check back at the hotel. Maybe she's looking for you. Something in my gut, I dunno. Maybe it's a new power coming on." He let out an unsure chuckle. "Lucky man, seriously. How come you get all the cool powers? I'm stuck here with mental issues and dark powers." Mutsumi poked him in the shoulder, his tail brushing along Damian's. "You say that like you didn't burn an entire forest, haha. You're stronger than you think. Now c'mon, let's get moving." Turning back the way they came, they walked out of the forest.

  She came to a stop in the city, out of breath. "Mother, I'm tired.. Can we chat?" Alex panted, sitting on a bench, soaked in the continuous rainfall. Her green hair streaked down her shoulders, as they slumped with her weight. "About what, my elven child?" She responded, her voice tinted with intrigue. Alex had never wanted to simply... talk. Only Alex could see her, anyway. Closing her eyes, Alex took a deep breath, silencing the sounds of rainfall around her. "Mother, are there other gods? Like you? That watch over us all?" She was temporarily transported to space, a zone only she and Mother Nature could reside in. "I want to.. understand myself better, Mother. To control this power within me." Her words echoed out into the green emptiness, her tone longing for understanding. "My beautiful child.. of course there are other beings, other gods.., Here, in this world, are three. This world has its religious God, there is I... and another. They have yet to reach their potential, hehe. You, my child, are special. Look at me." Alex opened her eyes, looking up at Mother Nature. Their green eyes met. Standing above Alex, Mother Nature extended her gloved hand down to meet Alex's cheek. The silence between them made a light flush come to Nature's face. Not even she as expecting such an intense- almost expectant- gaze from Alex. "Oh my. A mere demi.. catching my interest so quickly.. (W-what am I doing? I'm a goddess... but- n-no, forget it...) but after so long.. you truly are a special specimen, Alex.. but alas.. Your heart is captured, our connection is forbidden.

  I shan't go into my physical form.. as gods commuting with humans is punishable... you have seen me before... long ago.. and you see me now. You seem... enamored, my child. Do not forget your responsibilities... Have you rested enough? There is much that awaits you in the future.. that of which? I cannot tell. Perhaps the next time you call upon me... I will know more." Alex felt her eyes widening, the figure of Mother Nature leaning closer to her. "Mother.. I-" Her voice cut off as Mother Nature had reached her hand upwards to her hair, stroking the strands gently. Then she leaned down and pressed her lips to her forehead. "You are under my protection as always, child... Should you call upon me next time, I pray to Gaia for your safety." Alex nodded with a light flush tinging her cheeks. Closing her eyes, she felt the warm hand of Mother Nature fading away, replaced with the cool air of Alcaea. The air was quiet, mixing with the growing noise of rain returning to her ears. "She... kissed me. I'm protected? I should protect others.. Y-yeah. I'll protect who I can..!" She smiled, with renewed energy and determination. Stepping up from the bench, the water splashed at her feet as she started to run to the hotel with renewed determination and guidance of Nature.

  Sprinting down the rainy streets, she saw a flicker of light in the distance, illuminating the falling rain. The air was cold as she stopped in front of an inn, water pooled over her pants as she suddenly stopped to peer inside. The door was open, and she felt her eyes narrow as she focused on what in her eyes looked like a wolf. They didn't look of this world. Compared to the wolves she'd seen... this one looked.. wild, unkempt. Beside them, she could see...

  Dahlia? Why was she here? Was this real? Was she dreaming? After so long... The air was cold, hitting her face as she was forced to blink. Tears started to stream down her face as she ran towards her. Numerous memories began to resurface into Alex's mind as her arms wrapped around Dahlia's frame, wanting nothing but the warmth of her embrace. "I... I never thought I'd see you again... Dahlia, It's me... Alex... It's been so long... y-you remember me, don't you? I've been... lost without you, I-" Her words get cut off by the feeling of Dahlia's arms wrapping around her gently. "I remember. It may be hazy... but I remember you, Alex. Sister." Her voice was gentle. A whisper. She leaned onto Alex's shoulder, their hair falling on each other's shoulders as they held onto each other as if they were each other's lifelines.

  Vera watched, before hesitantly closing the distance between the two and wrapped her arms around Alex. For a moment, she sniffed the air. "I... don't know you... but you don't smell dangerous... and if you're a friend of Dahlia's... You're my friend, too..." She whispered, gazing at her hair. "I like your hair... it's green... like mine.." Vera smiled, gazing at her intently. "I'm Vera... Vera Nolene.." She introduced, pulling back and extending her hand. After a moment of silence, Alex pulled away from Dahlia's embrace, shaking Vera's hand gently. "I'm... Alex. Just call me Alex. If you're hurt, let me help.. see what I can do."

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  They could hear the faint crunch of leaves and twigs beneath their feet as they sprinted through the forests of Alcaea. It was dark, the air, humid and damp, their clothes stuck to their skin as they ran. Neither Damian nor Mutsumi could see anything, and that made the travel back all the more harsh. In the far distance, they could see hints of red light coming from what they assumed to be the city. Moving closer, Mutsumi heard a small hum slowly approaching them from the front. Lights started to flicker into view as the hum grew in intensity. Purely out of instinct, he pulled Damian into the trees, trying to cover him from whatever was steadily approaching them. "Hey, what the-" Mutsumi shushed him, placing his hand over Damian's mouth. He protested, then stopped as he heard the ground beneath him rumbling and the hum getting louder. Eventually, a small, military-like cargo truck drove past them, not even noticing the two hiding behind the trees. Maybe the darkness was an advantage to them after all.

  Mutsumi gazed at the truck, noticing some people sleeping. They were Demis. Two soldiers sat at the edges, sleeping. Before he could see more, the truck was already a ways away. Finally moving his hand, Damian let out a shaky breath. "The hell, man... didn't need to do that. Anyways, who were they? Where were they going?" Damian breathed out, his breath visualized in a puff of smoke. "I don't know. But we have to help them. That's what I came back to do. To help our kind. To stop the discrimination. Make Alcaea a good city. A better city." Damian hesitantly nodded. Visions of his family flashed in his mind, the fire, the screams, the pain and torment he went through. Holding out his hand, purple sparks flew out, a small ember- just to light the way. "For everyone. We don't have to hide in the dark for any longer. Come on, though. Let's get going, I'm sure the others are worried about us." Before Mutsumi could let out another word, Damian was already walking off, his hands illuminated with purple fire. "Hey, hold on!" Mutsumi called out to him, sprinting to catch up as they walked down the path to the city.