𝙔𝙀𝙎 𝙏𝙊 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙀𝙉, scaramouche/Wanderer

i.

That guy and the traveler.

THE SKY WAS BRIGHT TODAY.

It's been days since you last saw your dearest friend and honestly, there was no harm in visiting Haypasia again. Judging from the situation in Sumeru nowadays, it does look as if the crisis was averted.

You stood on top of a cliff, gawking at the scene below of the lively town of Sumeru city. They removed those-- what do you call those-- ear thingy?

"Holy crap, they really did remove it!" You exclaimed out of nowhere, squatting down with elbows resting on your thighs.

"What the hell happened?" You questioned whilst a grin came across your face basked in the heat of the sun as per usual.

Your eyes skimmed the residents saunter their way to god knows where. And much to your delight, they were much livelier than you'd last seen them! Well, they were quite kind even back then but there was something rather wrong about it. Sadly, you couldn't point a finger at it.

All's well today so there's no point in looking back at the past when you have to enjoy the present.

"Now, where could she possibly be..."

You hopped on the nearest large rock and slid down on a slope near you before jumping down on top of the nearest hut with canceled noise as you land.

Observing the area, it did seem pretty lively and cheerful compared to how it was before: strict and adamant. Perhaps whatever happened before was a mere temporary nightmare people had woken up from.

You ambled your way to the chattery streets with its ever so lively atmosphere and greeneries.

Perhaps, visiting Haypasia can wait.

"Now where should I go--!"

Alas, you were too distracted to notice a rolling apple you stepped on, now squashed underneath your slippers with its very substance becoming like a slime.

Ew... You hated slimes.

"Excuse me!"

A voice frantically called out from behind. You flinched, a bit nervous that he must have been the owner of the apple now sticking under your feet.

Was he going to yell at you? Who wouldn't? Your hand reached out to your pocket only to touch 3 coins. God, how were you going to pay for the apple?

Finally, the man from behind tapped your shoulder and as you swiveled around, deep blue disappointed eyes met your agitated (e/c) ones. His gaze then returns to the now mushy substance underneath your boot and he releases a long exhausted sigh-- guilt washed over you.

"Well, I guess I should pick up some once again," he murmured to himself, slumped shoulders and eyes drooped.

You reached out to him. You weren't going to leave him empty-handed, he looked so disheartened you couldn't bring yourself to leave him in this state!