In all fairness, Mani was really, really tired. Really! The trip to Regis was a lot more tiresome than they planned it to be. Also not to mention the fact that they got caught up helping multiple people along the way (fixing an older couple's roof, saving a child from being killed by a monster, fixing another person's engine and there was that guy who needed directions, even though Mani was just as lost as him.) Point being, it was a tiresome trip. No one should blame them for not being quick to notice the city being overrun by Shadow Beasts!
One of their many weaknesses is sleep, once they're asleep almost nothing can wake them up until they're well rested. Exceptions to this would be nightmares, waking up from hunger and like tonight, being flung out of the tree they were sleeping in.
Not a very pleasant way to be woken up. Perhaps, they should've slept inside a hotel room or something, like most people would.
Mani isn't like most people though.
Mani grunts and stumbles to get up from the ground. A little disoriented but otherwise nothing broken. Well almost, the wall they were thrown into doesn't look to be in good shape with the obvious head shaped dent. They cringe a little at that and hope nobody noticed it was them who caused the damage.
But wait.
It wasn't actually all their fault.
The real culprit comes out from the shadows in all its ugliness. It's horrifying in it's own unique way but Mani's already numb to these kinds of creatures. It makes a familiar low growling sound before pouncing straight at them.
/Why now? I really don't want to deal with this./
This time they're prepared, Mani is able to block the beast's horrifying mouth with their sword. With a quick slice, the beast immediately begins to dissolve, Mani watches it's remains burn up into nothingness.
They dust themselves off and make a noise in frustration. Taking in their surroundings they realize a few things, it's night, there aren't many people around, the streets look far messier than when they arrived, and most importantly, there's another Shadow Beast rummaging through the garbage. It hasn't noticed them at all. These specific Shadow Beasts seem to be less intelligent and maybe less dangerous. Still dangerous for anyone not used to dealing with monsters and for anyone caught off guard. Mani knows from painful experiences to never overestimate oneself.
But before they can attack it a burst of bright light hits the beast in the back! Killing it instantly. What kind of strong magic is this?
"How disgusting! Ack oh no! Ahhh!"
That voice seems to be coming from above? Above one of the buildings? Or was. Mani looks around but can't see anyone.
They decide to keep moving and fight any other beasts that remain. Perhaps they'll also find that person as well. Although, as Mani walks through the streets of Regis they realize that there aren't many beasts. What there is though, is a good amount of destruction left behind from them. But it's still strange. Well, it's strange that there were this many to begin with but stranger that they've been dealt with so quickly. Mani doesn't know much about Regis but from what they've researched, Regis is a city that's famous for keeping monsters from entering the city. Has something happened recently? Maybe it was an exaggeration? Are the civilians trained in how to deal with them in case of an outbreak? Mani noticed that there weren't many people on the streets. Are they hiding? Or did they evacuate? And who was that other person from before?
"Ahhhh!"
It's the same voice from before but this time there's more screaming. Not good. Mani moves as fast as possible, following the sound and soon they find themselves in an alley.
The scene before them is shocking. A much smaller but still dangerous Shadow Beast is about to tear apart the person under it! With not much time left, with no hesitation, Mani flings their sword as they've done countless times before, directly into the ugly face of the beast. It stumbles back and lets out a horrid scream but soon dissolves.
The person still lies on the ground in shock, trembling slightly. Mani acts quickly to pull them up and away from the alley.
Once they're at a safe distance, they let go of their hand and turn around. Now that they're able to see better, thank you street lights, Mani is completely taken back. You see, in all the 156 years of being alive Mani has never seen anyone who looks so elegantly pink. Even with her current messy appearance there is no doubt that this person is strikingly beautiful. Truly, an ethereal beauty. Also, there's a nagging feeling that Mani's seen her somewhere else before but nothing is coming to mind.
Mani instinctively asks, "Are you okay?"
The young woman looks slightly confused, which makes sense. There aren't many dragons living in Regis or dragons like them to be more specific. She composes herself and responds with, "I am. Thank you for the help. May I know your name?"
Now it's their turn to be confused, why didn't she ask why they were here? Many people do. But they answer with, "Hm. You may call me Mani."
She smiles, "Mani? What an interesting name for an interesting character. It's nice to meet you."
/Is it really? Am I missing something?/
Mani nods, "Yes, well be more careful in the future. Goodbye." They do feel a little guilty about leaving so soon but they have important things to get done. And even after all this time, conversation with others is not something they're good at.
Especially with strangers.
Just as Mani is about to leave, the woman calls out, "Wait! Where are you going!?"
"Uh, I'm going to go look around? Make sure no one else needs help."
"So you're just going to leave like that? Leave me here? All alone? In the dark?
"Yes. Unless you need some more help?"
"Ah. No I'm okay now but-but what about your weapon from earlier!? Are you going to just leave it behind?"
/Well no, I was going to wait till I was elsewhere but I suppose it doesn't matter./
They snap their fingers and say, "Please move to the side."
"Huh?"
Still she moves to the side even if confused.
Suddenly something sharp, bathed in the silver moonlight flies directly towards Mani. They catch the sword in their hand and sheathe it away.
"How?! Where?!"
"Don't worry about it. If that's all-"
"No! Wait just a moment, you said you were going to look around and see if anyone else needs help? Then, I'll come along with you."
/Why is she so persistent?/
"Are you sure? I'd suggest you go get some rest."
"Nonsense, I feel much better already! Let's go!"
Their protest is cut off as the woman grabs their arm and starts pulling them forward. All they can think in this moment is, /Why does someone so petite have such a strong grip? Is that normal?/
"You seem to be new to Regis? I've never seen someone like you around here before."
"I just recently arrived here."
Thankfully she removes her grip, noticing their discomfort but still walks closely besides them.
She gasps, "Oh my, and this how you're greeted? Such a shame! I promise you Regis is far more put together than from what you've seen tonight."
They can't help but think, /I doubt that./
"So you mean to say that these attacks aren't a regular occurrence?"
"No. Ah, I suppose there are monster attacks on occasions but never to this extent! This is the first time I've ever seen something like this."
They walk in silence for a while with Sophia leading the way.
Mani speaks up, realizing something, "Where are we going?"
"The central part of the city of course! Just to make sure everything is alright now. These streets are quiet because most people have either evacuated or hidden already. I don't think we'll find much-"
A voice suddenly calls out from behind, "Miss Sophia! Hello!"
They both turn around to find an older woman running up to them.
"Mrs. Hoffer? What are you doing here? I thought you evacuated with the rest of your family already?"
"Yes but I had to come back for my little boy." She opens her palm and inside is a fuzzy little creature. "Oh I couldn't have left him behind, I am so glad he was not harmed when I went back."
"I'm glad you are both okay but we need to get you back to your family. Are they still at the city center?"
"Yes, they should be. Oh this old woman would be so thankful if you could take her back."
She gives her a bright smile, "Why of course I will."
Mani watches this exchange silently, could this person be someone many rely on? She does give off an appearance of confidence and security.
They are shaken from their thoughts when the older woman suddenly asks, "Oh and who's this other dashing, youngling walking besides you?"
"Ah sorry about that, this is my acquaintance. Their name is Mani."
She looks up and down at them, "You don't look like you're from around here?"
"I am not."
"That's nice, it's good to travel when you get the chance to. I hope you like it here. We have the best food! And the most beautiful of women, just take me and Sophia here for example."
"Oh, stop please teasing them Mrs. Hoffer. We should keep moving quickly in case there are more foul beasts lurking in the shadows."
"You're absolutely right! Oh don't worry dear, with Sophia here, we are the most safe."
They raise their eyebrow, "Is that so? So you were the one who took care of all the beasts after all?"
"Oh you flatter me, but I just defend against them in this particular area. I'm sure that other magic users and city officials took care of other parts of the city."
/But... that's still a lot!/
This does explain some things, such as the person who killed the beast in front of them and why she looks so worn out. Impressed but their expression remains flat.
This woman... Sophia makes small talk with the other woman as they continue their walk to the center.
Mani stays silent and walks behind them, on guard in case something else comes from behind.
Thankfully, nothing does.
When they finally reach their destination, it's less chaotic than what they expected.
Sure there were more people here than people wandering around the street. Some were talking with city officials, some were getting medical assistance, all sorts of emergency lights are flashing, but otherwise there seems to be some kind of order.
They hear the same vibrant voice say, "Yes, take care!"
She walks back to them, "Thank goodness, I didn't have a hard time finding her family again."
"She's okay?"
"Yes, she's going to be just fine."
That was a relief, maybe now they could get a chance to leave. At least find another tree to sleep on, or even a bench really.
Just as they're internally debating what to do, the young woman calls out to someone else, "Excuse me? But what is going on? Is there anything else I can do to help?"
/You still want to help?/
"Oh, we've gotten reports about what you've been doing and we sincerely appreciate it. But I think it's best for you to go home, we have everything else under control."
"Are you sure, sir? I mean I'm sure I could still-"
She stumbles slightly but doesn't fall, almost instinctively Mani moves to her side in concern.
So much for leaving huh?
"I don't think there's much left you can do."
"I'm fine, I just overexerted my powers. Ugh. I suppose... I should get some rest."
"Miss, do you need me to help you or can your companion here-?"
"I'll get her home."
He gives them a nod and walks away.
"That won't be necessary, I can walk home myself thank you very much. I've already troubled you enough, haven't I? In fact, I'm feeling much better now. I'm sure that in a moment I'll even be able to fly home!"
/Fly? Could she be a fairy?/
After a moment of nothing happening she sighs, "Oh well. I guess I did wear myself so much that I can't even summon my wings. Walking it is then."
"I don't think you should walk home alone in this state.... Sophia?"
"Hmph, just because you helped me earlier doesn't mean- Oh! Oh my! I forgot to properly introduce myself!?" She sounds as if just she committed a horrible crime.
/Yeah but I also didn't really ask and tried to leave so... Also, is she always this quick to change emotions?/
"Er- What should I call you then?"
Her demeanor changes and her eyes bright up, "I am called Sophia Fauve! Light Magic extraordinaire and future famous fashion designer. I am an apprentice under legendary Master Ipruk! One day I'll be as famous as her so it would be best for you to remember the name!"
That was very dramatic to say the least. At first, Mani isn't really sure how to react to that introduction so they just stare at her blankly.
But then it hits them.
/Did she just say Master Ipruk? Could this be...?/
Seeing Mani's lack of reaction she coughs awkwardly, "Ahem, in any regard you may refer to me as Sophia."
Keeping their voice steady Mani asks, "You know of Cecilia Ipruk?"
"Yes, didn't I just say that? She's my teacher."
In the back of their mind they vaguely recall seeing an article written about the obliterated 'haunted' mansion scandal, one of the pictures was of Master Ipruk and next to her was also a young, bright fairy. It now makes sense why they felt they've seen her before. If she truly does know Master Ipruk then...
"I need to speak to her. Now."
"..."
/Was that rude?/
"Please?"
She covers her mouth in surprise, "Could it be?! A client!?"
"Yes."
/I'll do anything. Pay any price. I just desperately need her help./
"Why didn't you say so sooner? Let's walk and talk."
Mani numbly follows after her, "Where are we going this time?"
"To the shop of course!"
"Which shop?"
"Master Ipruk's Potions and Goods!"
As they follow her, the tiniest feeling of hope builds up in their empty heart. It's silly, because at this point not much is certain. Except for the many things that will go wrong. There will be dead ends. And nothing they do, absolutely nothing, will bring him back.
Mani knows that more than anyone.
But this tiny feeling of hope won't go away. Even after all this time, that's the one thing that won't get ripped away from them.
So they keep following the fairy, in hopes to find the answers they seek.
To be continued?