Incipience

Uyber

Death was nicer than I had anticipated it to be. It was cool, refreshing, and painless. I sighed softly, eyes staring into the dark. Odd. I expected it to be lighter.

"Oh thank god. You're up."

The voice made me flinch. My eyes opened and I took note of the Banette standing before me. They wore a checkered yellow and black bandana, but my gaze was locked with theirs. Instead of crimson, they boasted a pearly white color, lacking pupils. I could see my own reflection in them. The Banette grinned softly.

"You're insane," they muttered with a hint of amusement. They kneeled next to me. I looked myself over. Bandages were wrapped around my legs. Bringing a hand to my head, I felt the bandages wrapped there too. I sighed.

"And you are?" My voice was strained.

"Uyber. I'm just visiting, but I'll help another Banette if they need it." He began to unwrap the bandage on my left foot. "And, if I may so kindly ask, who are you?"

I thought for a moment. I never had a name, aside from what Emily called me. I grinned. "Name's Bozu."

Uyber nodded as he gently took my leg. "It's a pleasure. I won't ask what you were doing. It's none of my business. But I will heal your legs. After all, I like to help, and I wouldn't want to see you die."

"It's appreciated," I muttered, letting my head fall back. "They hurt like hell."

"I'm sure they do, but I'll fix them up for you. It may take a few days to heal fully, so don't go performing any gymnastics for a bit."

"Ha," I said sarcastically with an eye roll. I berated myself for not learning how to float. It would be beneficial to me right about now.

I let Uyber do his job, closing my eyes. I was admittedly tired from the day. Revenge could wait. I wasn't killing anyone if I didn't have the energy to even get up. I hugged myself gently.

I don't know how long I slept. Perhaps a day or so. It didn't matter. I opened an eye to glare at the rising sun. Uyber lay next to me, also asleep. I smiled a bit at him, then looked at my legs. They were still bandaged, but I could see some of my silvery blood stained on my feet. Oh well. They didn't hurt anymore. That's what mattered to me.

I did a quick scan of the area. We were in an alleyway, shielded from the busy roads by a dumpster. The buildings around us towered high as usual skyscrapers did. My eyes landed on the gleam of silver nearby. I slowly got up to examine it, taking note of the small sliver of pain that yet remained. I picked it up and was surprised to see the cutlass I had nabbed from the apartment complex. I turned it over. It was still in good condition. Gripping the handle, I bought a claw to the blade and gently, barely, ran my hand down it. The blade cut it instantly and I grinned, withdrawing my hand and wiping the silver blood off my hand. My eyes went back to Uyber. He was still asleep and looked peaceful. I let the smile grace my face and I approached him, settling down next to him. No harm in having a companion, was there?

It was noon when Uyber woke. I grinned as I watched him rise, rubbing his eyes.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," I commented with a smirk. Uyber gained a smirk of his own.

"Well, hello to you too. I see your legs are doing better."

I nodded. "They hurt a lot less. So I guess a thank you is in order."

Uyber rolled his eyes with a snicker. "I'm not big on thank yous and other meaningless words of affection. But you're welcome."

I heaved myself up, grasping the cutlass. I watched Uyber as he pulled his bandana over his face. The other Banette looked at me, then shook his head.

"Stay here, I'll look for food." He didn't give me a chance to reply as he bounded off. I scoffed and twirled the weapon in my hand.

It was all so odd, to think that only a few days ago, I was still sitting with Emily. I frowned slightly as I continued to twirl the sword. I would count the days with the stars. I had seen them three times already. Today was the fourth day of this new adventure I had been forced into. I let the grin return. Those three days alone were filled with adrenaline. And I thrived for it.

I began to slowly train with the cutlass. I spent an hour or so creating makeshift dummies for myself, then another hour destroying them with the cutlass. It was quick and efficient. I immediately deduced that if I would die, I'd go out at the blade of this weapon. I felt satisfied at that as I began to clean the mess I made.

Uyber returned a few moments after I had finished. His arms were grasped around a bag. I watched him with a tilted head and set the cutlass down.

"Sorry I took so long. Smuggling desserts has gotten harder." Uyber set the bag down and grabbed a berry. He tossed it to me and I caught it as I sat down.

"It's gotten harder? How so?"

"Well, everyone's been on edge since yesterday. Every building has amped up security now."

I nodded as I ate. "I could go on a food run next time."

"Are you sure?" Uyber glanced at my legs. I followed his gaze and nodded.

"It could do me well. Plus, I'd feel bad if I just let you do all the work.:

Uyber nodded. "You know, for a new Banette, you're awfully confident."

I shrugged. "Nothing wrong with confidence. Even if it did almost get me killed."

"You don't fear death, do you?'

"Not at all." I leaned back and watched him. "I have one purpose. As long as it's unfinished, I must live. Once it's done, death is a mere destination I'm content with reaching."

Another nod. We fell silent for a while, eating and thinking. My gaze would continuously go to the sky and I wondered if the stars were always there. They seemed to arrive as soon as nightfall did. I grinned to myself as I grabbed the cutlass. Taking a claw, I scraped the bronze paint off the handle, slowly but surely revealing the gold color underneath.