Pretty on pretty on ugly

The duo walk through the city at a brisk pace. The sun was still high in the sky. The sunshine brightens the city, making it look even more vibrant. A tower rises tall from the middle of the city. The roads and the densely packed. The houses are pleasantly colored in pastels and whites. The pale colors contrasted with warm-colored wood on the faces of the buildings.

This bountiful port is a seemingly endless city built by the ocean. Streets filled with liveliness. Splashes of smiling faces at every turn. The constant waves of energy hit every sense. It’s disorienting and gorgeous in equal measure.

The hero sticks close to Furian as if he were a buoy. The other man has stopped talking to him about inanities. He has since turned to say a quick hello to seemingly every single soul in this city. The man shakes hands and pats people on the back in quick, almost hugs every few minutes.

Some of Furian’s friends look less human than others. It's a wonder what the difference is between that woman he killed and the one he's sharing a smile with. It comes to his memory that Furian had smiled at that woman too. Perhaps he was that good of a pretender.

They navigate the streets up to a plaza. Bushes artfully cut to frame the view of an enormous wide building. It stands flanked by colorful flags hanging against its white walls. There’s a multitude of people walking up and down the stairs leading up to the entrances.

They join in the small ocean that is the multitude.

Unfortunately, once they get inside, Furian starts talking again. “You see, the two desks by the stairs? The nice lady on the right is Hope. She manages stuff regarding clients putting up jobs. The cutie on the left is Grace. She handles giving out jobs to Adventurers. I’ll go get you registered.” He gives him a quick pat on the shoulders, as if they were friends.

When he’s alone, the hero can’t help but feel weirdly untethered. It might be because the people around are all grouped up together in Parties. There’s a group of all girls with cat ears, a group of diverse races of very disparaging heights, another that’s armored from head to toe, and another, and another, and another. He’s overwhelmed in no time.

He goes to stand to a side, against a wall and behind a plant.

Being alone like this is normal, and it shouldn’t be disorienting. It rings true as if it had always been present but just put aside. Deep in the back of his mind.

The surrounding hall, though gigantic, now feels small. The chatter of the crowd, the thumping boots against stone, the clink of coin in full pouches. It all becomes a mish mash of strident noise.

“Hey, man, you okay?” That’s Furian.

“Is your friend okay?” Asks a new voice.

Shame burns hot in his gut. The hero stands up. He lowers hands he had not noticed were up.

“I'm fine”, he lies. The picture of nonchalance.

The pair look at him, disconcerted. They share a quick look, but if they have a suspicion, they don't voice it. It looks a lot as if Furian’s eyes will pop out of his face.

“Alright buddy, this is Grace.” As Furian explains, she does a little wave. It is cute. Furian looks like he's going to say something more, but he stops himself.

“I don't think I caught your name,” she steps forward. She has a lithe figure, long legs, and a tiny waist. Her face is cute too, big eyes and a button nose. He blushes when he notices he's been staring.

A name. He doesn't remember his old one at all. Thinking back as far as he can, he only reaches the beach. The place where he woke up under the sun. He's been quiet for so long.

“Sunder,” he cringes at the doubt in his voice. “My name is Sunder.” He repeats, aiming for confidence.

For some reason, Grace's eyes lit up with recognition.

She steps forward, a long stride covering the ground from her to Sunder. She smells a lot like melon and vanilla. She's so close to him. She leans in incredibly close, and she kisses him on the cheek.

He's still reeling and staring into her purple eyes. By the time he collects himself, she's already incredibly far away and has started talking.

“You didn't tell me he was a local. His family must be worried sick.” She nudges Furian with her elbow. “I won't even have to search for his location, anyway. Get him settled down, will you?” She walks away. Her white uniform hugs her body. Her blonde hair swaying after her wafting melon and vanilla.

“Man, I spent so long warning her you won’t talk.” Furian crosses his arms and shakes his head.

“She kissed me,” said Sunren, still shook to his core.

“On the cheek? As one does? Of course she did.” He put his arms around Sunder’s shoulder and started leading the way. “Don’t get too hung up on her now. She’s been chasing me for years.”

Sunder shoves him away.

“Back to not talking, I see. It’s okay. I’ll get you back in my graces,” He walks purposefully towards the right of the hall. “I’ve been meaning to set up Hope with someone for a while. She’s cute too. You’ll love her.”

They walk past the desk that belongs to Hope. Furian does a wide wave with his arm. She blushes and waves back at the two of us. She’s cute, with big eyes and a small mouth. Her eyes are a striking yellow and her hair is an elegant purple.

Furian puts his arms around Sunder’s arms. This time, Sunder lets him.

“Adorable, no? The good news doesn’t end there, though.” Furian leads him down a hallway. Sunlight filters through wide arches supporting the structure. There’s a huge interior garden surrounded by 3 hallways and a wall. A gorgeous mass of green and colorful smatters of flowers, it looks right out of a painting. A few people are sparring over sharp blades of grass.

“C’mon, we’re going to test your fighting prowess,”