Here, There And Everywhere

Walking into the town without alerting anybody, or anything. I phase through people and buildings. 

Nothing is affected by my presence: the air doesn't move, the ground isn't pushed. My senses are not being stimulated. I have some perception of the world, but more akin to someone who sees a POV shot in a movie or reads a book. 

I am not part of this world. The mission to look for the crest is the only thing binding me to it, and there'll only be me once it is done.

There suddenly is a couple ahead of me. I start feeling my feet and my legs. I feel my waist, the weight of my shorts and the grip of the belt. 

There is a sudden movement of air around me, which creates a bit of cold air. 

My torso and my clothes are next. Then my shoulders and the Panther cloak. 

When my arms and hands are back, I can feel someone else's finger being held by my right hand.

Finally, my head. I feel the rich smell of a hot city and a lot of different foods. I hear some chatter and a swoosh from the wind around me, and finally I can see.

There are some food stands around, around thirty people, none past their twenties.

I'm holding some guy's hand. He has that black hair and stern look that instantly reminds me of Daniel, but he is quite a bit older. He is looking at me with some curiosity and a malicious smile.

I cannot believe my eyes when I see who he is with. The most beautiful long golden hair worth more than any kingdom, carrying the calm ocean within the blues of her eyes. 

My heart skips a beat, probably more than that. 

"Lily?"

The guy pushes my hand and interrupts.

"I think I have priority on asking questions, friend. What are you grabbing my hand for?"

"The coat of arms on that ring."

Lily laughs and speaks with a tender voice while showing that she also has one of those.

"It is not a 'coat of arms'. It is the crest of the CLÃ DE AGRICULTURA, the guild responsible for the agriculture of Continuá."

"Continuá?" 

"Hihihi. You don't know anything? Didn't you get a presentation about the world before coming here?"

I guess I did make a very haste decision very early … Now I'm feeling embarrassed.

"I missed you. I'm glad we could meet here." She continues.

"Of course! I owned you a date didn't I?" 

"Who said I accepted it? Hihihi"

I cannot help but smile. It is frankly an unbelievable development. Does that mean that maybe I can see my parents too?

… 

Although that would mean they died, wouldn't it? Should I hope to not see them, at least for now?

"This is Tarik, by the way. He is new, so I'm showing him the town, maybe you could come with!"

Oh, how much would I love to, but I am a wanted man here … I cannot risk too much walking around. 

"No, I really shouldn't get in your way. I was just looking for the family of someone wearing a ring like yours. He … perished … In a forest to the northeast."

I notice a slight peak of interest from this Tarik guy. Seems like he realized something. Was he a friend of the guy? Doesn't seem that sad, though.

Lily answers

"That is sad … I didn't know him very much, but we did send someone … I think it was Hugo or Yugo …  He went to help the strike team up north with some ruffians. Maybe he went after some seeds and an accident happened?"

"He was attacked by a Jaguar …" 

"Oh … "

The air feels thick, this is a very hard and awkward topic … 

"Lily. Let's finish for today. I want to talk to him in private."

Tarik says that, but I have no clue as to why he would want to talk to me. 

"Okay. I'll head back then. Our headquarters are right there, come to see me."

She points to one of the larger buildings. The one closer to the east side and in my way back outta town. She then smiles and leaves.

I follow him for a bit, and we stop at an empty street.

"What is it?" I ask him

"You came in covertly and cannot follow the lady with such sparks in your eyes. You're a wanted someone, aren't you?"

My heart stings. Stops. That is my old friend, non-crippling fear. 

My hand instinctively moves to the knife in my belt and I check my skill points. I still have two, I can get out of town with the secret skill.

"Hey hey hey, don't worry. You can trust me. I can help you out of town without issues."

He has sported that suspicious smile for some time now, but it might be my best choice right now.

"Sorry, friend. I don't have any money."

"Oh, no no no. I don't need any money right now. I really have good intentions believe me."

Yeah, right. Nobody with good intentions ever says that. I let him continue, though.

"You see, everybody in this town seems to be exceedingly gullible [...]" 

He signals with his hand and I start following him and as we walk he points to me dark streets where anything could happen and anybody could see or strategic points without policing. 

"I need someone like you. Someone who is a good guy that I can trust, but that has seen the real world."

Well. He is right, I am a good guy and I did see a lot of stuff these last few days … 

"What do you need me for?" 

"I've been here for two days and I have already noticed some … suspicious movements. I need an extra pair of eyes, and hopefully not hands too. Don't worry, I'll pay."

We get to the edge of town and we lock eyes.

I guess that IS a good cause, and I'll be able to see Lily again too.

I extend my hand. As I see, it is a win-win.