Ocean Kisses

Big City

Tango pov

I wasn’t sure how Zedaph would handle it. The thought gnawed at me as we drew closer to our destination. This wasn’t just a change for him—it was a complete upheaval of his reality. From the peaceful, rhythmic pulse of the ocean to the chaotic hum of city life, it was going to be overwhelming.

Zedaph sat across from me, his head tilted slightly as he stared out of the small window. His horns nearly brushed the wall, and his gaze was wide with curiosity. The countryside, with its sprawling fields and quiet towns, had been an intriguing new world for him, but the looming silhouette of the city on the horizon made his eyes sparkle with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

“What’s it like?” he asked suddenly, turning to look at me. “The city, I mean. Is it loud? Does it smell bad? Will people look at me funny?”

I leaned back in my seat, considering his questions. “It’s loud,” I admitted. “And yeah, it can smell bad, depending on where you are. As for people…” I hesitated. “Well, you’re going to stand out, but that’s not a bad thing. People in cities tend to mind their own business.”

Zedaph frowned slightly, his fingers tracing the edge of his seat. “Stand out how? Is it the horns? The ears? Do I look weird?”

“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “You don’t look weird. You look... unique. It’s not something bad, trust me.”

He seemed to relax a little at that, but his eyes still held a flicker of doubt. “It’s just... everything is so different already. I don’t know if I’ll understand it all.”

“You don’t have to,” I reassured him. “You’ll get used to it. And I’ll be there to help.”

His lips quirked into a small smile. “You promise?”

“I promise,” I said firmly.

As the train—or rather, the ship transferring us inland—slowed and the city came fully into view, Zedaph’s breath hitched. Skyscrapers loomed against the horizon, their glassy exteriors catching the light of the setting sun. Cars and buses clogged the streets below, their honking a distant but unmistakable cacophony. The air seemed to buzz with energy, a stark contrast to the calm serenity of the ocean.

Zedaph leaned closer to the window, his face almost pressed against the glass. “It’s... it’s so big,” he whispered. “And loud.”

“Yeah,” I said with a soft laugh. “It’s a lot to take in.”

He turned back to me, his eyes wide with wonder and just a hint of nervousness. “Do you think I’ll like it?”

I smiled. “I think you’ll find things to love about it. And if not, we’ll figure something out.”

Zedaph nodded, his gaze drifting back to the window. Despite his initial apprehension, I could see the curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I had a feeling Zedaph would adapt in his own way. He always did.

I might’ve glossed over a few details about the city to keep Zedaph calm. He had so many questions already, and I didn’t want to add to his worries by rattling off how many hybrids and unique beings he was bound to see. It wasn’t like he was going to stand out much here—not in a city where scales, tails, wings, and horns were as common as shoes. Still, easing him into it felt like the right thing to do.

As we neared the docks, I casually mentioned, “Oh, by the way, I got in touch with a buddy of mine. He’s going to meet us when we get off. His name’s Impulse. Super chill guy, you’ll like him.”

Zedaph glanced at me nervously. “Chill, like... you?”

I chuckled. “I think I’m a bit too fiery to be considered ‘chill.’ Impulse is more laid-back, but don’t worry, he’s cool. Although... he’ll probably have his friend Skizz with him.”