Walking the Streets

Walking the Streets

Serph walked through the bustling streets of Aetherium Capital, her head held high despite the whispers that followed her. The city, with its towering skyscrapers and advanced infrastructure, was a marvel of technological innovation. Yet, amidst the hum of progress, prejudice and fear lingered in the hearts of its citizens.

People glanced at her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Her white hair and heterochromatic eyes, once marks of her unique heritage, were now reminders of her pact with the Black King Drakonis. The taint of the pact made her an outcast in many eyes.

"That's her," someone muttered as she passed by. "The one with the Black King's pact."

"Stay away from her," another whispered. "She's dangerous."

Serph ignored them, her gaze fixed ahead. She had grown used to the stares and the whispers. They were just noise, distractions from her true purpose.

As she walked, a small voice broke through the murmur of the crowd.

"Hey, miss!"

Serph turned to see a young boy, no older than eight, standing with wide-eyed curiosity. He had tousled hair and a smudge of dirt on his cheek. The boy's mother, realizing where he was looking, rushed over and pulled him away.

"Don't talk to her," the mother scolded, casting a wary glance at Serph. "She's not like us."

"But she's cool!" the boy protested, looking back at Serph with a mix of awe and innocence.

Serph smiled softly at the boy, but the moment was fleeting. The mother hurried him away, leaving Serph to her thoughts. The encounter triggered memories from her own school days, and she found herself drifting into a flashback.

The schoolyard was a place of torment for young Serph. Her unusual appearance and the whispers about her parents' deaths made her a target for bullies. She stood alone, clutching her books tightly as a group of older kids surrounded her.

"Freak," one of them sneered, shoving her. "Why don't you fight back, huh?"

Serph remained silent, her eyes downcast. She had promised her mother she would never use her powers against others unless it was to protect.

The bullying continued, harsh words and rough shoves becoming a daily routine. But Serph endured, her resolve unwavering.

One day, as the bullies closed in again, a voice rang out.

"Leave her alone!"

Zyra, a spectral girl with glowing red eyes and a determined expression, stepped forward. She moved with a grace that belied her ghostly appearance, her presence enough to give the bullies pause.

"She's with me," Zyra declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The bullies, intimidated by Zyra's fierce demeanor, backed off, muttering curses under their breath. Zyra turned to Serph, offering a hand.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes softening with concern.

Serph nodded, taking Zyra's hand. "Thank you."

From that day on, Zyra and Serph were inseparable. They faced the challenges of school together, finding strength in their friendship. Zyra's unwavering support and fierce loyalty became a source of comfort for Serph, a bond that would last through the years.

"We'll always stick together," Zyra had promised, and Serph believed her.

The flashback faded, and Serph found herself back in the present, standing on the busy street. The memory of Zyra's friendship warmed her heart, reminding her that she was not alone in her journey.

Her sanity, which had been teetering on the edge, stabilized slightly as she recalled the support she had received.

[Sanity Increase: +2. Current Sanity: 22/80.]

Serph took a deep breath and continued walking. The world was harsh and unforgiving, but she had faced worse and come out stronger. She would honor her parents' memory and Zyra's unwavering belief in her.

As the city buzzed with life around her, Serph's resolve hardened. She had a mission to complete, a world to protect, and she would not falter. No matter the challenges ahead, she would face them head-on, just as she always had.