The Cat's Tail, Soleil

Aiden stepped into the heart of Soleil, and for a moment, the sheer beauty of the city stole his breath.

The city of Soleil, basking under the golden sun unlike anything Aiden had seen before, is a breathtaking marvel of architectural brilliance and extravagance. Gleaming streets of white marble wind through the city, specked with intricate golden elements that catch the sunlight and make the pathways shimmer like rivers of light. Graceful fountains spill crystal-clear water into elaborate basins, their surfaces reflecting the dazzling spires and domes above.

A grand canal meanders through the heart of the city, its azure waters carrying small vessels adorned with gilded accents. Above, bridges curve elegantly, connecting clusters of sunlit towers with pastel rooftops adorned with greenery.

Shops lined the streets, each more peculiar than the last. One glimmering apothecary, Aiden saw, boasted glowing vials of "bottled moonlight" and "sun-kissed elixirs," while an eccentric clockmaker displayed timepieces of all shapes in all sizes, the hands at different numbers and their ticking in rhythm with no discernible mechanism. A vendor on the corner beckoned passersby to try the newest enchanted sweets in the market- candies that could make you laugh uncontrollably or sing in perfect harmony.

Aiden paused outside a small boutique where an old shopkeeper sat beside shelves of peculiar artifacts: a quill that wrote on its own, a mirror that whispered your deepest secrets, and a caged bird made entirely of crystal that chirped melodies of forgotten eras.

"Oi, Aiden, hurry up!" Adrian called from ahead, his black leather jacket catching the light as he turned. His voice carried an impatient edge, but when he glanced back and saw Aiden staring at the shop windows, his steps slowed.

With a sigh, Adrian walked over, his boots clicking against the marble pavement.

"See something you like?"

Aiden blinked and shook his head slightly. "No, not really. It's just… Soleil is beautiful. It feels like I've stepped straight into a fairytale." He hesitated, then added with a dry chuckle, "I look so out of place here."

Adrian raised a brow, smirking.

"Oh, you think you're out of place?" He gestured to his leather jacket and combat boots. "I'm the guy who looks like he just wandered out of a punk rock gig."

Aiden laughed- a genuine, unrestrained sound- and for the first time, Adrian saw a glimpse of lightness in his eyes. It caught Adrian off guard, and before he could stop himself, he smiled.

"There it is," Adrian remarked, his voice warmer now. "Your laugh. Looks good on you."

He nodded toward the streets ahead. "Tell you what, once my mum and dad finish up their business, we'll stroll the city properly. Maybe even pop into one of these odd little shops you're so fascinated by. You'll like it even more when the sun starts setting- it's something else."

Aiden blinked at him. "Where are we even going now?"

"To a small pub just down the main street, but I've never been there," Adrian replied, already turning to continue. Before he could take another step, his mother's voice echoed from further ahead, calling for them. Adrian groaned and motioned for Aiden to hurry.

When they caught up, Einya smiled warmly at Aiden. "How are you feeling, dear? Everything alright?"

Aiden hesitated, glancing around at the sunlit grandeur of the city. "I feel like I'm dreaming," he admitted, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Don't worry. You'll get used to it. Soleil has that effect on people." Mrs. Caleena laughed softly.

The group arrived at a cozy establishment with a sign above the door that read The Cat's Tail, painted in elegant curling letters with a literal cat's tail added as a flourish. The small pub sat tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, away from the bustle and hustle of the main street.

Its exterior was modest compared to the rest of Soleil, with ivy creeping along its stone walls. But the moment Aiden stepped inside, the air shifted. The warm chatter of customers hushed, replaced by a tense silence. Men and women seated at the bar and tables turned to look at him, their gazes sharp and uneasy.

Aiden shifted uncomfortably, his voice low. "What's wrong?"

Adrian frowned, crossing his arms. "It's because they recognize you're a Chase. Word got out about my Da's mission with you so I guess that's why they instantly recognize you."

Aiden's brow furrowed. "But I'm a Magi," he said quietly, confusion coloring his tone.

Adrian sighed. "Yeah, but the Chase family name carries weight. It's a century-old legacy of killing Magi. People can't just unlearn their fear overnight." His eyes darkened. "And they can't see where your loyalty lies yet."

Before Aiden could respond, someone whispered too loudly from the corner, and Adrian slammed his hand against the table nearest to him, his voice sharp. "Oi! What's your problem? He's just a kid, and he's been through more than any of you could imagine. Get over yourselves."

"It's personally the headmaster's orders to bring the kid, Alvin. If you have issues with that, you have an issue with me and the headmaster." Vesper's voice rang out with a quiet but firm authority.

The pub fell into a heavy silence as if the words had sucked the air from the room. Eyes turned toward Vesper and Aiden, uncertain, but none dared to challenge the directive. The weight of the order had left no room for debate.

After a long pause, a soft voice broke through the quiet.

"Sorry, Ves." The apology came from one of the regulars, a man who quickly turned his attention back to his drink, avoiding further confrontation.

Aiden glanced down, feeling the weight of their stares, but Adrian nudged him gently. "Ignore them. You're with us."

But no matter how much Aiden wanted to ignore the stares and how he felt, he can't, and the realization that he's stuck in both words kept eating away at his feelings.

With that, the four of them moved towards the counter, where a tabby cat sat perched, its tail flicking idly.

Vesper leaned across the counter, his eyes narrowing as he addressed the tabby cat. "I'd like to order a Berry Buzz."

Adrian, confused why his father asked a cat for his drinks, glanced around the pub again before asking, "Where's the owner?"

The cat, with its wide green eyes and fluffy fur, blinked up at him, unphased by the command. But just as Vesper finished speaking, something strange began to happen.

The tabby shimmered, its form rippling like water before it slowly morphed into a man, standing tall behind the counter. He was dressed in a simple apron, a bright smile still on his face.

"Okay, one Berry Buzz coming right up," the man said. As he reached for a shelf, he handed Vesper a crumpled newspaper, knowing exactly what Vesper wanted. Vesper took it without a word, unfurling it carefully as the man began preparing the drinks.

"Thanks," Vesper muttered, his gaze fixed on the newspaper as he scanned its contents.

Vesper nodded his thanks without saying much, his mind clearly elsewhere as he unfurled the paper. The man, still wearing his friendly smile, turned his attention to Adrian.

"So, Adrian," the tabby-turned-man said, leaning in slightly. "You excited to head to Genvah?"

Adrian, still slightly stunned by the sudden shift, nodded. "I guess... yeah. It's hard to say what to expect, but it's a big step. By the way, how are you able to transform like that?"

"Everyone does at some point. Even your father can."

"I never saw him do that."

"Well, there isn't really need to."

The man grinned, then extended his hand towards Aiden. "And what about you, Aiden? Life as the Chase heir must be something else, huh?"

Vesper, who had been reading the newspaper, suddenly cursed under his breath before Aiden could answer. His brow furrowed as he glanced up, catching the attention of the others. "Damn it," he muttered, "this just got more complicated."

The mood shifted again, and all eyes were now on Vesper as they waited for him to elaborate. But for now, he merely tucked the paper under his arm and gestured for the three to follow him. He waved goodbye to the owner and the customers before closing the door behind him.