Moria District

Keiya City | Moria District | Night

Neon light bleeds across rain-slick asphalt near the northern beach. Bars spit out drunk girls and boys, voices too loud in the night. In the middle of it all stands a blond man in a bartender’s vest. For a heartbeat his yellow eyes glint.

His phone buzzes.

Nameless:

Jean,

Know the Moria horror story? Doubt it—you’re too busy with my errands.

Anyway: multiple deaths.

[Attached: three photos. Male corpses. Massive bite wounds.]

You know what to do.

Also—ask your Superstar Mari for an autograph. My girl wants one.

And also a small hint: Keep the talisman on its forehead

Jean sighs. “Always the same with this idiot. Tasks, no clues.”

He starts a slow sweep through the district, scanning alleys and doorways.

A light touch lands on his shoulder.

He turns to a tiny teenage girl in a red dress, red thigh-highs, red shoes. Sea-blue eyes. Pale skin. A black bow pins pitch-dark hair. A little heart pendant rests at her throat.

“So this is the yellow-eyed beauty everyone keeps talking about,” she says.

“Who are you?” Jean asks.

She skips ahead to face him, arms flung wide. “A nobody? Nah—kidding. I’m Zuru, yellow-eyed beauty.”

His gaze flicks to her bow, back to her face. “What are you doing out here at night?”

“Searching. A few delinquents. You?”

“Same. I’m also looking for delinquents.”

Zuru laughs and twirls. “Speaking of—my friend is a cute girl who always wanted to be an actress.”

Jean turns toward the beach road. She pads after him.

“And you want my connections for her head start,” he says.

“Obvious,” Zuru giggles. “But she’s talented enough. She’s away right now, though. Maybe you’ll vibe with her.”

“Maybe.”

They reach a ramen stand hissing under a tarp by the sand. Jean sits; Zuru hops onto the next stool.

A broad man with a rose tattoo greets them. “Misseur Fontaine. Back in Moria again?”

“Work, Joulier. You know how it is.”

Joulier nods toward Jean. “And do you have any guests?”

“Yes, I think… What was your name again?”

“I’m Zuru!” she beams.

“Zuru, want something to eat?” Jeans asks.

“He can surprise me!”

“Joulier, just surprise us?

“Anything for Monsieur Fontaine and his guest,” Joulier says. “Enjoy your night, Zuru. He’s a capable, mysterious man.”

Jean exhales, eyes shutting briefly.

“Mhm… you know him, I mean at least he says you are capable? I thought you are acting cool and nonchalant but it seems that’s true.” Zuru asks.

“If you’ve lived in the other world, you know a lot. Wait, what are you talking about? Nevermind” Jean tilts his head. “You’re hunting delinquents, right?”

“Yes. A few bad guys. Why are you hunting them?”

“Just a few killers,” he says lightly. “You know—delinquents.”

Zuru stands, leans down, rests her head on his shoulder.

Joulier turns with two bowls—and the world snaps blue.

A hush. Cold. The steam freezes mid-spiral.

Zuru whispers in Jean's ear. “Tell me, blond beauty… Do you punish only killers? Even if they’re right?”

Jean grins. “A domain. It’s cold.”

Zuru blinks, surprised, and steps back.

Jean rises. “You’re a good actor. Was your friend one too?”

“She was the best,” Zuru says, laughing softly. “Incredible. The world would’ve known her.”

“I don’t think you’re bad either. My apologies—rude of me.” Jean offers his hand toward the shore. “Walk the beach?”

Zuru laces her fingers with his. “Sure—”

They wander toward the waves. A child’s shout peals through the blue hush. A dog barks—deep, eager.

A labrador splashes in the shallows: tall, blond fur, a red bandana banded across its forehead. No eyes—just smooth fur where eyes should be. A brown-haired girl in a red dress chases him, laughing.

“RUZ, STOP!”

She barrels in after the dog. The sea takes them deeper.

Jean groans and sprints, diving with a clean stroke. He surfaces with the dog tucked in one arm, the girl in the other, hauling both back toward shore.

“Careful,” he says once they’re on sand.

The girl throws her arms around him. “So cool! Thank you!”

Ruz bounds up and licks Jean’s cheek. The talisman slips from his forehead.

Both dog and girl vanish.

Zuru skids beside him. “You saved them… why?”

Jean wipes the drool, unfazed. “Night. Cold sea. One wrong step hurts.” He stands, rolling a shoulder. “Sometimes you need to act. Even if it’s a dream. Watching fate happen and accepting it is wrong. You fight it.” He smiles faintly. “Also—You don’t know what I am saving in the end.”

Zuru stares at the empty surf. “They vanished— So your act was useless!”

“Never mind.” He squints at the horizon. “You want to escape this, right?”

“To be honest, yes,” she admits. “But that’s not why I’m here. And… yeah—it seems we’re stuck. He he he, I’m sorry. I drag you inside it.”

“Maybe we can run,” Jean yawns, “and find the exit. But yeah, that’s not my way to deal with it. Running is kinda boring right?”

His yellow eyes flare—then shut. A woman’s voice rings crisp inside the blue.

Yes! They accepted me—acting school! Ruz! I’m going to be an actor!

When Jean opens his eyes, the labrador is beside him again. He kneels, pets the big head, touches the Bandana. The dog disappears.

“And I have a weak heart for actors,” he says. “Maybe I’ve been acting the whole time. My sister wants to act too—and she’s got a real chance. I think she and your friend would make a great duo.”

Zuru bursts out laughing. “Surely. What’s your sister’s name?”

“Shuri Fontaine.”

Zuru’s jaw drops. “Wait—that Shuri Fontaine?! Keiya’s new rising star? Wait—what?”

Jean laughs. “Guess I’m too overworked to notice my sister’s achievements.”

They walk until the pier looms from the mist. Zuru studies his face.

“So, what’s your job? I see the dark circles.”

“Makeup’s gone. Oops.” He scratches his head. “Bartender. Full-time student. And I solve a few cases. And the Co-leader of the gardening club. And… He he he… Slowly I am asking myself what free time is.”

“Sounds brutal. Do you even sleep?”

“What is sleep?”

They stare at each other.

“Ehh… are you okay?” Zuru asks.

Across the water, the same brown-haired girl stands on a ferry deck. Ruz at her side. Jean and Zuru both turn.

A man with no face stands behind the girl. A suit. A hand on her shoulder.

“You did great at the Maina Theatres,” the faceless man purrs. “Your Julia was impressive. I’m glad you took my offer. I’ll make you famous.”

“Thanks, manager,” the girl says carefully. “But it was just once, I will not do it again. So please keep your promise”

Ruz growls.

“No dogs,” the man snaps.

“Ruz is my friend,” she answers. “He’s coming.”

The man grips her chin, leans closer. “Then make me proud.”

The dog lunges. The Bandana slips.

The ferry blinks out of existence.

Zuru exhales. “These illusions… you’re not surprised?”

Jean shrugs. “Wow, that dude is scum. I hope the dog bites his nuts off.”

Zuru smirks. “Oh, he did. I am sure she told me this story a couple of times.”