A little bit before midnight was when Fishy started talking to Ena.
Ena wished to know everything about Fishy, of course, Fishy didn't mention anything about the world he came from.
He simply told Ena the story of the city's upbringing, from his encounter with Beauty, the butterfly celestial, to his mission of finding the Druid prince. Fishy spared no detail.
After he was done retelling his life story, he was bombarded by an onslaught of questions that lasted till 8 AM.
By the time Ena let Fishy sleep, it was 8 AM.
Fishy had passed out on the floor, leaving the wide awake Ena all to herself.
She smiled as she looked at the passed out white-haired anomaly. She didn't understand who he was, nor did she care.
After hearing the words Fishy spoke, she believed he would do all he could in helping her avenge the death of her brother.
And as the sun started to rise, she left Fishy's house. The fresh morning air was still blowing around as the city started to wake up from its sleep.
It was the beginning of another productive day.
The market had been setting up since as early as 5 AM, but they were now ready to open.
Ena strolled around, hiding her ears behind her long blue hair. She was greeted by the strangers of the city, welcoming her and wishing her a good morning, but she didn't know how to respond to such kindness.
She stopped off at a stall and spent some money Fishy had given her last night. It was only a few pieces of silver, but it was enough for her to buy food.
"Here you go!" The vendor said as he passed Ena over a few Cowsaur kebabs that she ate off the skewer.
She felt the rejuvenating warmth from the freshly cooked meat that eased her bones after her tiring day. Even though it was the first thing she ate in the day, it wasn't too heavy and had the perfect balance of spices.
She continued walking as she looked around. People of all ages, genders and races, chatting and laughing as if no one knew of the world's evil history.
"I suppose this place isn't so bad." She said as she turned around and started counting the remaining silver she had, making sure she could buy a few more kebabs.
# # #
In the present day, Vogef was quickly awakening after being freed from the City of Va.
The sudden attack by the mysterious puppeteer called Mata was something he couldn't ignore. The king's safety was unknown to him, and that caused him great concern.
"What's going on?" Vogef said as he started to wake up, noticing Fishy stood over him through his blurry vision.
"I'd been watching you ever since I left Va the day we lost Robin and Callie. Forgive me for spying but I was concerned about your safety."
"Why? Do you think I'm weak?"
Vogef asked a simple question that caused Fishy to hesitate.
"You would have died if you stayed to fight," said Fishy as he held his hand out to help Vogef up, only for him to refuse and do it himself.
"Nonsense! I would have stayed and fought. I would have protected the king."
They were currently having this conversation in the centre of the town, although it was sectioned off by Ziu and the guards so no strangers wandered in. But the curious crowd still gathered around the border.
"How can you protect the king if you die? What good does that do?" Fishy asked. Those who stood around him, mainly Clara, lowered their heads aware that they have made similar decisions in the past.
"I know about Va's situation during the Long Night." Fishy continued. "You were struggling as it is. If anything, I'm surprised the city hadn't revolted against the king you claim to protect."
After hearing Fishy's ridiculing, Vogef was no longer standing idly by. He stood tall, with a little gap separating him from Fishy. Fishy could see each tiny hair of Vogef's dark beard and beyond it, the scars of a man who had led many to victory.
The few guards that were around all placed their hands on their sheathed swords, in case the worst happened.
"If you want to settle this with a fight then I'll accept, but you should stay here. Going back will only get you killed. You know that."
Vogef stopped and stepped back, looking down at the defeated ground he couldn't even see.
"I'm going back." He gave his answer, and turned around, prepared to walk all the way back to the city.
"I'm warning you," Fishy said as he raised his hand, a white tinted barrier formed around Vogef, shining a tiny bit of light during the lonely night.
WACK!
Vogef punched the barrier.
He punched it again.
He punched it till his fists started bleeding and his bones cracked.
He collapsed to the ground, covering his tears of frustration from those around him.
"I couldn't do anything…" He wailed as Fishy released the barrier.
"Once the Long Night ends, I'll let you go back. But please, stay here for now."
Vogef didn't say anything. It took a bit for the tears to stop, but no one rushed him.
He eventually stood up but didn't show his face.
"Very well…" He said as he turned around, and started walking towards Fishy.
"Thank you. But sadly, there is something important I need to tell you about, and it concerns the king and the church of heroes."