STRANGULATE | Markicest

29 | THE EVOLVED CITY

God, it was like New York.

Everyone walked with a purpose, eyes set towards the path they were headed. While some of them smiled or chatted amongst friends, they looked much more severe here—not as friendly as that village. It was clear the people here were on Antinstine's side.

"There's a few main attractions in this city," said Equinox, hooking her arm in Mark's and guiding him down the sidewalk. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to keep calm. His skin burned, and he suppressed the urge to glance behind his back. No matter how untrue it was, he felt like everyone was staring right through him—like they knew what he really was.

"Central is where all the shops and main apartments are," said Equinox. She led Mark towards one of the shops on the corner, pressing them against the wall to avoid getting run into. She motioned with her gaze at a skyscraper in the far distance. "Think of it as human malls. It's where everyone goes to hang out."

Mark gazed towards Central, nodding.

"Every week, they hold tournaments," said Equinox. "Mostly reckless teenagers join, eager to show their powers. But sometimes there's worthy opponents."

Mark swallowed at that, raising a brow. That wasn't like "human" malls at all.

"And... why?" he asked.

"For fun," said Equinox, and she gazed over at him like nothing was wrong. Mark only gave a slow nod, trying not to show his shock. Equinox elbowed him at that.

"Occasionally, Antinstine sends someone down to spectate the tournaments," she said. "Some Evolveds join in hopes of being chosen to live in his mansion. To join his disgusting cause."

Mark exhaled and nodded, gazing at his surroundings. "Alright. Next?"

Equinox smiled at that, and she tugged him away from the wall. They walked down a bustling crosswalk, narrowly avoiding a car that threatened to run them over.

"Next is the Market," she said.

The cramped buildings seemed to give a little, opening up into a grand, echoing square. It was much busier here—nearly packed. It was impossible to walk down the countless aisles without brushing against someone.

"Evolveds stock up on their essentials here," she said. They slowed down and lingered at one of the stands, watching as the cashier handed an Evolved a vial of a glowing green substance. She took it with webbed hands, the gills at her neck fluttering as she smiled and walked off.

"Every Evolved is different, as you know," said Equinox. They watched as another customer just like the gilled-woman sidled up to the stand. "But that doesn't mean there aren't similar abilities."

The customer pointed towards one of the vials, and the cashier grabbed it.

"Some Evolveds with the ability to breathe in water actually need assistance in regular air... If they go too long without exposure to water, their body reacts negatively," said Equinox. "The stuff in those vials allows them to last in this air for a few weeks without having to dunk their heads in water."

Mark nodded, and Equinox tugged him along the Market. They passed by many more shops, most of them packed with vials, herbs, and books. Up ahead, a crowd of Evolveds lingered around a shop, their murmurs louder than the roar of the Market.

Mark gazed at the crowd, catching eyes with a young albino girl running the stand. She seemed to expect the gaze, staring at him with bright blue eyes as he passed. He swallowed, but before the girl could stare at him any longer, Equinox tugged him around the corner.