Chapter 4

Anima, Veronica, and I walked back towards the front of the Ruthaven estate. While we walked I looked at Anima’s body. One of his eyes is blue and the other is brown. His legs look to be the same length, but one of his arms is much bigger than the other. Plus he carries a huge coffin like case on his back. Every piece of his body is connected with loose stitches, even his face. I’m guessing Anima noticed me looking at him, cause he eventually breaks the silence.

“Domeninc Mercado.”

“What?”

“Is there something wrong with me?”

“Nah. I’ve never seen a Stitchman with so many…mismatched parts.”

"My creator didn't have a lot of well preserved parts to make me.”

“Do you not like your creator? Oww”

Veronica slapped me in the head for what I said.

“Dom, what's wrong with you?”

“ It is, alright Veronica Kane.”

“But, Anima.”

Anima stops in front of a huge metal gate.

“My master created many other Stitchmen with more care than I. Therefore, what Domenic Mache said is true.”

Anima’s unbothered tone leaves me with a sad feeling, I can’t get around.

“I wasn’t trying to be rude. I heard Stitchmen develop a strong familial bond with their creators.”

“Don’t worry Domenic Mache. Your words do not offend me.”

Veronica awkwardly laughs at the situation.

“It was nice seeing you, but we have to go now.”

“Very well, but Veronica. You should escort Domenic home.”

“Why?”

“Hmm.,,I can tell you, but I ask you to keep this between us.”

I’ve no idea what's so important, but Anima is delaying us more.

“I promise, so please hurry.”

“Very well. There’s a radical group of Night Creatures that wish for humans to become their feeding stock again. It's not safe for you to be out by yourself, Domenic Mache.”

I look over at Veronica and she nods.

“Yeah, my father’s been looking into it, but we still know nothing about them.

“Do you think they'll try something during the festival?”

Anima stiffly tilts his head.

“I’m not sure, but we’re making preparations in case something happens.”

“Alright, Veronica let's hurry, I’m already running late.”

Anima takes off the big coffin on his shoulders and slowly begins to open the gate. I hop onto my bike and Veronica hops on behind me.

“Bye, Anima.”

“Veronica Kane, Domenic Mache. Be safe.”

Anima waved as we took off, yet I couldn't tell what he was thinking. We followed the path from the metal gate towards the road.

Like before, Veronica had that sad look on her face.

“I-I’m sorry to cause you so much trouble.”

“Don't be. I hate boring days, but today wasn’t like that.”

Veronica smiled and clung to me, thankfully I didn't fall off my bike. It didn't take much for the view to change from the vibrant greens into an old rustic town. People stared at us, though it didn’t bother me.

“Hey, look at the love birds.”

“The Mache and Kane families will finally be united.”

“Dom, take good care of her.”

Veronica with her arms wrapped around me, looked at the crowd and her face turned red.

“Gods, this is embarrassing.” I said as the crowd passed us.

“I’ve gotta run.”

I suddenly stopped the bike, while Veronica hopped off.

“More training?”

“Yeah.” Veronica said in a defeated voice.

“Dom, please go straight home. I’ll meet up with you tomorrow morning.”

“Sure, bye.” I waved to Veronica and she rushed over to hug me.

“Bye, Dom.” She whispered into my ear, and dashed back towards her home.”

Once Veronica left, I hopped back on my bike. As I traveled through New Tarkovi, my thoughts slowly drowned out. The one thing that stood out among the screeching was a girl.

“Hey. Please give me my umbrella back!”

Up ahead there was a tall woman covered in a black robe. She was shouting at children who seemingly stole her umbrella. I thought it was odd how the kids ran off while she sat in the shade. But it's not my problem, that was, until she frantically called out to me.