A faint sound filled the air, like the rapid breath of someone struggling to catch their breath. It was uneven, labored, almost as though the woman was hyperventilating, but for reasons unknown. The tension in the atmosphere was palpable, as if something important was about to unfold.
The voice of a man broke through the silence, his tone cautious, laced with confusion. "You're...?" he began, recognition flickering in his words. There was something familiar about her presence, something he couldn't quite place.
Before either could speak further, a thud echoed, something heavy had fallen to the floor, sending a ripple through the stillness of the room. The man moved quickly, his footsteps pounding on the floor as he rushed toward the source of the sound. "Stay with me," he urged, his voice now taking on a more urgent tone. Then, louder for anyone within earshot, he announced, "We need help. This is an emergency!"
There was a brief pause, the kind that stretched out in time, as the air felt suspended in uncertainty. Then, a faint sound, like someone awakening from a deep slumber, broke the silence. "Uh!" The voice was sluggish, as though trying to make sense of the disoriented haze around her. "Where am I?" she asked, her words still thick with drowsiness.
A man's voice replied, deep and sincere. "You're as beautiful as I thought you would be!" His words, rich with emotion, seemed to carry an unspoken weight, a quiet reverence.
The woman stirred, her focus sharpening as the sound of his voice reached her ears. She glanced in the direction of the man, her senses catching the depth of what he had just said.
"19 years..." The man's voice wavered, full of an aching sadness. "It has been 19 years since you were conceived, and the blight at the back of my mind... being powerless to even see you..."
A silence hung between them, thick with unspoken feelings and an overwhelming sense of loss. The woman's voice, fragile and filled with longing, broke the silence.
"Father..." she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of years spent apart. There was a crack of sadness, as if the realization of the truth was too much to bear.
"I… I don't want to intrude on your life..." Her words were cautious, as if testing the waters before proceeding. "But I require your aid, for the sake of my own life… If you're willing to have me..." Her voice trailed off, knowing the weight of her request. She understood the gravity of asking for help, for interrupting someone's life after so many years.
Another silence filled the space between them, and it seemed like the man was carefully choosing his words. His voice, steady but filled with a depth of emotion, finally spoke.
"..." There was a pause, the kind that felt like he was staring directly into her soul, contemplating everything that had come before.
"I don't know what rumors you've heard about me," he said, his tone firm and resolute. "But you came from my essence. You are my child, regardless of where you were raised."
"You do not need to ask for permission to live among my land," he continued, his voice softening. "What is mine is yours. I am more than happy to have you."
---
East Clinton Park was akin to a grand garden of greenery and floral aspiration. When viewed from above, or from a high vantage point, it resembled an intricately designed maze, artistically trimmed and groomed to mimic the gears of a turning clock. Each segment interlocked seamlessly, sprawling expansively, creating a pattern that seemed endless.
As Kelson wandered through the park, he noticed that each path was an entrance, almost like a series of doors, each one distinct, yet they all connected. The lines of greenery were bordered by trees, bushes, and flowers that bloomed in a rhythmic symphony, almost as if nature itself had been curated into perfection.
He couldn't help but compare it to the parks back home, though it was different in a way he couldn't put his finger on. The landscaping was vast and expressive, transforming every 20 yards, every new direction his eyes followed. "It's like every path leads to a new department," he thought, smiling to himself as he continued walking. "Each section is its own little world, but it all fits together perfectly."
He noticed at least three petting zoos, where children clamored to feed and play with the animals. The entire atmosphere was cozy and charming, with families enjoying the open space and the peaceful sounds of birds and fountains. The sight of hoverboard enthusiasts zipping by, some performing tricks in the air, added a modern edge to the otherwise tranquil setting.
As they strolled along, they passed fountains, some of which shot up like geysers, spraying mist into the air, creating a shimmering spectacle under the sun's declining light. The particles in the mist sparkled as the fading sunlight hit them, and the surfers who rode the gentle jets of water appeared to be at one with the park's lively pulse.
Eva and Kelson were truly enjoying their time. They snapped photos of each other—sometimes together, sometimes solo in front of the park's most monumental points. The children would make it their mission to randomly squeeze themselves in, their bright smiles sometimes photobombing their shots, making Kelson laugh.
"Not again," he said, shaking his head with a grin as one child jumped into the frame. "They're getting good at this."
Eva chuckled. "I think they like you," she teased, nudging him.
Kelson smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. Despite everything, this place felt good—familiar in ways that calmed him. His mind had been preoccupied with many thoughts lately, but right now, surrounded by something akin to family and nature, he felt at ease.
Eva then led them to a pastry vendor, where she ordered two crepes. Kelson raised an eyebrow but didn't protest.
"Crepes? I'm not sure about this," he said, though he accepted the offering with a playful sigh.
"Trust me, they're delicious here," Eva said with a mischievous smile, her eyes twinkling. "You'll love it."
Kelson took a cautious bite. To his surprise, the crepe was soft and surprisingly good. He looked at her with a skeptical expression but couldn't help himself. "Okay, I'll admit, it's better than I expected."
Eva smiled smugly. "See? The facilities in Skyrail really go out of their way to make everything as appetizing as possible."
Kelson raised an eyebrow. "You really went all out, huh?"
She waved her hand dismissively. "I figured you'd appreciate seeing something new, even if it's just food."
Kelson took another bite, savoring the flavor. "But aren't you concerned? Who knows what they put in this. I mean, it's all… different." His thoughts momentarily turned to the implications of the city's technological advancements and their possible effects on its products.
Eva shrugged with a cheerful grin. "It's doing no harm to me or anyone, and besides, you're here now. Enjoy it. If it's good, it's good."
He continued eating, his guard still slightly up but noticing there was no odd sensation in his body. No defensive mechanism triggered. Nothing unusual in her behavior either. It was just… food. Just like any other place, any other park, any other city.
He made a mental note of it, wondering if there were any hidden elements at play, but for now, he could relax. Maybe it was nothing. But then again, maybe it was something to keep an eye on.
----
Previously, Fenra had been dispatched by HQ to investigate a suspicious event on Charlie Street.
As she stepped out of the vehicle, she was joined by her partner, Officer Cora. Cora was a petite woman with orange hair styled into short twin pigtails and striking green eyes. Standing at 5 ft 1, she was much shorter than Fenra, who stood at 5 ft 8. Both women wore the standard S.N.D.P. uniform, but while Fenra wore trousers, Cora wore tight-fitting shorts, which somehow added a surprising charm to her smaller frame.
What awaited them at the scene was a figure unlike anything Fenra had ever encountered. The body, its gender indecipherable, was disturbing to even look at. The figure seemed utterly drained of life, a shell of something that had once been human. Fenra hesitated to touch the evidence; the scene was too unnerving, and the hollow, dark-marked eyes made her stomach churn. The figure's exposure to decay was alarming, but the worst part was the scent,a ghastly, unbearable odor that slipped past her suppressed receptors. Fenra couldn't shake the feeling that whatever had caused this, it had something to do with the entities she had been educated about by that wretched woman, a reminder she hoped never to confront again.
As the forensic team finished gathering evidence and began to move the body, other officers, accompanied by hounds, began scouring the area. Special individuals had been brought in to assist, and it was clear this case was far from ordinary.
Fenra's sharp eyes focused on something ahead of her. An alley caught her attention, the air in front of it almost crackling with tension.
Cora, sensing her partner's intense gaze, edged closer, her curiosity piqued. "What do you think caused this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Fenra replied, her tone grave, "This thing... whatever it was... has qualities similar to vampirism."
Cora, still uncertain, shook her head. "I don't know. I don't think it's obvious. I mean, it doesn't scream 'vampire' to me."
Fenra took a moment, her golden amber eyes narrowing as she considered the situation. She placed her fingers over her nostrils, pulling gently at what appeared to be a transparent shield or covering. She stored it carefully, and then, as if something shifted within her, Fenra's eyes took on a primal, almost predatory glow. Her nostrils flared, and she breathed in deeply, allowing the air around her to speak to her in a way it never had before.
The alley in front of her transformed in her vision, the air thick with ominous energy. A trail of purple, barely perceptible but undeniably present, snaked out from the alley. It was the unmistakable signature of something dark, something dangerous.
Fenra turned her gaze toward Cora, her expression hardening. The meaning was clear, and Cora understood. Without a word, the two women ran toward the alley, their pace swift and determined. Something told them that whatever had left its mark there was only the beginning of something far more sinister.
---
Eva and Kelson were walking out of the park, enjoying a quiet stroll. Her arms were tucked comfortably into his, and the two shared a peaceful moment as they passed through the vibrant green spaces. Many passersby cast curious glances their way, mistaking the two for a couple. Kelson didn't mind, it felt good to just be in Eva's company, walking leisurely through the park.
But their calm moment was broken by a voice calling out from behind them. "Well, well, well, look what we found here…"
Both Kelson and Eva turned, surprised by the interruption. Two women, both older than Eva but still strikingly charming, stood before them, smiling warmly.
Eva, slightly taken aback but amused, smiled and waved. "Mel! Ayane! What a surprise to see you here."
Ayane, ever the straight-faced one, eyed the pair, an eyebrow raised. "Where's the workaholic nurse sneaking off to?" she asked with a playful smirk.
Mel, grinning mischievously, added, "So, you're really dating a younger guy? A cougar, huh?"
Eva chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I'm not a cougar. I'm just visiting a friend. I thought I told you that before."
Mel laughed, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "We're just teasing you, Eva. We've heard you speak fondly of him."
Kelson, not one to shy away from making a good impression, smiled and extended his hand to the women. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," he said. "You look just as charming as Eva."
Ayane smirked and gave a wink. "Seems like you have good taste."
Kelson grinned back. "Well, if you're offering a bite, I'd say I do."
Eva nudged him playfully, embarrassed by his boldness, but the two women laughed loudly at his quick wit.
Meanwhile, high above the streets, Fenra and Cora were making their way across the rooftops. Their target had been elusive, but the scent trail was unmistakable and growing stronger the further they traveled. The streets below were a blur as they carefully moved, the wind rushing past them.
Fenra's senses were on edge. She could feel the air shift around them as they neared the location. "It's close," she muttered to Cora. "We're getting near."
The two paused at the edge of a building, looking down. Below them, the target, a figure in a long brown trench coat, its face obscured by a blast hat, stood motionless near a flower-covered pole. It looked out of place, too still, too focused on its surroundings as if it were expecting them.
Cora tilted her head, suspicion crossing her features. "Suppose this is it? It's kind of just standing there... waiting?"
Fenra Eyes Narrow. The trail was still there and it was condensed around it. "This is it. The scent matches," she said firmly.
Cora gave her a sharp look. "You're sure?"
Fenra inhaled deeply, her instincts flaring. "Positive. It's the same."
But as they began to move carefully towards an angle unseen, the target suddenly turned its head, acknowledging their presence, much to their surprise. In the blink of an eye, the figure bolted, moving faster than they had anticipated.
"Damn it," Fenra growled. "It's on the move." The two descended.
The chase began, and they were unwilling to lose this race. The target darted through the streets with unnerving agility, knocking over trash cans and throwing debris in their path to slow them down. Fenra and Cora followed closely behind, dodging obstacles with precision.
A large dumpster hurtled toward them as the target shoved it in their direction. Cora leaped over it, but Fenra spun mid-air, her body fluidly twisting as she avoided the heavy object.
The figure was fast, weaving in and out of alleyways, taking sharp turns with ease. It was leading them further from the quieter parts of the city, getting closer to more crowded streets. Fenra's heart rate quickened, knowing they couldn't let it get too far into the throngs of pedestrians.
As they closed in on it, the figure suddenly took a sharp turn into an alleyway, initially disappearing from sight. Fenra hesitated, her instincts telling her that something wasn't right. She was confused for a moment as she reached the corner and turned, she saw the target had a greater length ahead of them.
"What the hell?" Fenra muttered, quickly scanning, not finding anything else suspicious which eluded her sense just a second ago
Cora was right behind her, breathing heavily. "We can't catch up, its too fast?"
Fenra indeed saw that they were at a great distance behind, and to make it worse, she saw that it was gradually entering a more public area.
Cora, about to grab her weapon, shouted "It could be anyone down here. We need to get it before it disappears again."
Fenra's eyes glinted with focus. She couldn't afford to lose this target nor does she want Cora to take this drastic action yet . "I'm going after it."
With that, Fenra exploded into motion, her body a blur as she surged forward, sailing through the road with breathtaking speed, but it seemed as though the target was picking up a quicker pace.
So Fenra pushed herself even harder, the adrenaline coursing through her veins. In a burst of speed, she caught up to the figure, her legs propelling her forward with the force of a predator closing in on its prey. With a swift, fluid motion, she reached out, grabbing the target's leg and sweeping it out from under them.
The figure faltered, its momentum shattered, and it tumbled forward with a loud thud. Fenra landed on top of it with precision, pinning it down as it struggled beneath her.
Whispers and murmurs began to spread through the crowd as people gawked at the scene unfolding. Fenra, undistracted by their gazes, remained focused on the target beneath her. But something in the air made her pause, a faint itching in her nose that pulled her attention. She inhaled deeply, and the scent shifted, settling into something familiar, something she couldn't quite place at first.
Her mind grew more confused with every passing second as she inhaled again, trying to pinpoint it. The scent, now unmistakable, tugged at her consciousness, a name floating in the back of her mind.
"Kelson" She murmured under her breath, the name slipping out like an echo from the past.
Her grip tightened around the target, but something within her urged her to look away, to turn her focus elsewhere. Slowly, she shifted her gaze to the right, her instincts pulling her in that direction, though her heart began to race with an uneasy certainty.
And then, she froze.
Standing just a few feet away, caught in the middle of the scene, were Kelson and Eva, accompanied by Ayane and Mel. The shock on their faces mirrored her own confusion. Kelson's expression, however, was one of utter disbelief, his gaze locking with hers, his body visibly tensing.
"Fenra?!" He couldnt believe it. It truly was her...