Horo has been searching for his father ever since he left. His father was said to have mutated human genetics to become like animals. Horo knows this first hand, and is determined to stop him. With the help of some newfound friends and allies, will...
I hope all of you enjoy this chapter, I re–did it so it should be better than before!
Under the cloak of night, Horo darted through the labyrinthine streets of his town, a shadow amongst shadows, keenly aware of the perilous glances cast by passersby. His solitude was a necessity, for discovery could mean the end—death, or something far worse. Seeking solace, he slipped into his clandestine den, a humble sanctuary he had hewn himself, where the walls bore witness to his relentless pursuit of truth.
"This... and that goes there..." Horo deftly affixed newspaper clippings and articles to his makeshift pin board, a mosaic of revelations and inquiries. "Finally, it's here—all I need to uncover the others, if they still endure." He swore silently, a vow etched deep within, his eyes fixed upon the newsprint in his grasp.
"BREAKING NEWS! Attack on the circus earlier this week! An animal was stolen from the circus, a female camel by the name of Kaymeru. If this camel is seen please return her to the Muceni Circus.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
If this camel is seen please return her to the Muceni Circus
It was said that another man helped in the escape
"He had these things on his back, I couldn't see it well but they looked like wings! It was horrifying! I managed to cut off the arm of the beast, but he got away with our prized beast!"
-The witness of the breakout
If a person by this description is seen please notify the police immediately..."
He had read enough of that one and his eyes moved to the other paper.
"GODDESS OF OUT COUNTRY GONE MISSING! Usagi has gone missing after an attack on the palace. Two people were said to have been involved in the kidnaping. A girl with wings and a boy with a long tail. Both of them are said to have been very swift, so approach with caution.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
These wild beasts have been said to have been sighted several times before, if they are seen, put them out of their misery
These wild beasts have been said to have been sighted several times before, if they are seen, put them out of their misery. They are an insult to the animals and the humans!" Horo's voice echoed in the solitude of his underground refuge, his heart heavy with the weight of injustice. The words blurred before him—a stolen camel, witnesses' accounts, and the specter of those deemed less than human.
"I mustn't linger on this. The palace where the circus last stood—I must go." Horo's resolve solidified, a fire ignited within him. "They won't remain stationary, those furries. If one's lost an arm, they'll pause. Tonight, once everything's prepared."
Under the shroud of nightfall, Horo emerged from his sanctuary, a bag slung over his shoulder, determination etched upon his youthful countenance. "I'll miss this place, but this journey must be made," he resolved, a determined nod underscoring his departure. "Anitown—the circus awaits. Time is of the essence."
The universe seemed to conspire against Horo that fateful night, for scarcely a mile from the town's edge, the ground trembled beneath his feet. Panic seized him—a sand worm, rising from the depths, a relic of legends now made manifest.
"SAND WORM!" Horo's cry pierced the night air, the specter of danger looming large. He evaded the creature's gnashing maw by a hair's breadth, terror igniting his flight.
"Oi! To the right!" A voice pierced the chaos, guiding Horo to safety. His world spun as he was swept off his feet, wind whipping around him.
"Hayai! Why save him?" another voice chimed in, revealing a figure—a girl with white locks and avian wings, a curious sight.
"W-who are you?" Horo's voice quivered, confusion etched across his face as he found himself deposited on solid ground. Before him stood a peculiar trio—a man with kangaroo ears and tail, and the familiar figure of Usagi, the elusive princess.
"I'm Klokan Hatiora," the man introduced himself with a warm smile. "And you are...?"
"Horo Barbary," he replied, extending a hand in greeting.
"A name with a legacy," Klokan mused, recognition flickering across his features.
"Indeed." Horo responded, his voice heavy with guilt."I am assuming that your animal features are the result of my father."
"Not possible," Usagi dismissed, her disdain palpable. "My bloodline bears rabbit—an indignity." Horo blinked, taken aback by her haughty demeanor.
"Your father," Hayai interjected, the swiftest among them. "Is he behind this? I ate a cactus that did this to me."
Horo hesitated, grappling with the legacy of his lineage. "Throwing out serums—possible contamination... I suspect... my father..." His words trailed off as Usagi's impatience cut through the discourse.
"We came here for what purpose?" she queried, seemingly unaware.
"Anitown—rumors of mutants," Klokan elucidated, piecing together their purpose. "More of your kind, Horo?"
"Only one other here, but I know where to find them," Horo asserted with conviction. "Anitown—the winged one and the camel girl."
"Then to Anitown we go," Klokan declared, a leader by consensus. "Horo, with Hayai; Usagi, with me. Let us hasten."
As they embarked on their journey, Horo marveled at their speed, the world blurring around him. Amidst the rush of wind, a smile graced his lips—for once, he belonged, bound by shared purpose and the promise of discovery amidst the unknown.
