Tree branches swayed in the distance as murky puddles began to ripple. The sound of yelling drowned out the thundering footsteps as you began to quickly assess your surroundings; looking for your opportunity to escape. Peeking up to the tree tops you assumed it was the best chance of staying out of sight. Branch by branch they seemed to hold as you shifted your weight to the next until a simple mistake was made and the branch snapped. You closed your eyes waiting for the impact and wondering how it all came to this end.
You hit the ground and felt the air escape your lungs as the searing pain spread throughout your body. Your vision blurred, the only thing tying you to reality was the cold touch of the dewy grass underneath you. The rush of footsteps had stopped somewhat abruptly as a shadow appeared over you. The muscles in your body felt like mush as you tried to grab for your grimoire.
"Woah there kid, don't hurt yourself now. We came to offer you a proposition."
Your vision began to focus as you saw a gruff man look down at you. Confused, you looked around for the group that was chasing you.
"Looking for those creeps? Yeah, we dealt with them and we'll be sure to get the grimoires back to their rightful owners." He began to walk away but stopped as if he wasn't finished, without turning around he spoke once again. " I almost forgot, we're here to recruit you, kid. I'm sure you don't have anywhere else to be right now."
You let out a big sigh knowing this random stranger was right. You had no where else to be. You had been thrown out, chased, and abandoned. If this guy had a big plan for you and just saved your life, you might as well follow. You of course would be on full guard looking for any way to get yourself out a sticky situation.
" Need some help up, princess?" If the pure hatred towards the nickname didn't make you despise this man then the way he grabbed your hand and yanked you to your feet did. Your gaze traced the rough lines of his covered face up to his flaming red hair. He caught the irritated look that crossed your face and couldn't help but smirk. A deep urge to roll your eyes was suppressed in hopes that the man in front of you would not be encouraged to tease you any longer. Little did you know but the teasing would never stop.
The awkward silence during the journey was starting to weigh on you, "Can I at least know your names?"
"Names Yami, and that red headed lanky guy back there is Zora. Any other questions?"
"Actually yeah! Where exactly are we going?"
"To your new home kid."
"my new home?" you whispered to yourself. You began to lose yourself in your thoughts about what a real home was like. Your nose grazed the back of the tall lanky man. You had caught yourself right before you completely ran the man over. Glancing to the side to find out why they had stopped you couldn't help but gasp at the building in front of you. The two men had made their way into the building not noticing you taking your time scanning the area for any threats.
You were greeted by a boy with a strange bird on his head, "Hey, are you lost or something?"
You shook your head and slowly started to back up before bumping into someone. Without moving too much you craned your neck up. A pale man with black circles around his eyes peered down at you and began to whisper something inaudible. You jumped at the sudden interaction and caused Zora to turn towards you. "Don't worry princess he's harmless."
Zora started to guide you to a group gathered at a table surrounded by sheep that seemed to be serving dishes. You were taken aback by how quickly they all accepted and took you in. Very different from what you were used to.
You eased yourself from the boisterous conversation table to get fresh air. You could feel the rooftop calling out to you, with slight examination of the building you had made it. The crisp breeze hitting your skin gave you the relief you had been waiting for. The moon light illuminated the roof enough for you to catch a slight glimpse of a shadow.
"Ah, you found my hiding spot. You know I'm not one to share..."
You shot a look at the red head and continued gazing at the moon. The cloudiness of your mind drifting away until you heard him clear his throat.
"You don't talk very much do you? You also haven't let your guard down either; which I don't blame you for. We all have our demons. I just wanted to let you know I'm always on this rooftop with open ears." You couldn't help but grin knowing someone actually wanted to listen. "Besides princess, I've come to figure out that everyone needs a friend."
