Arc - Genesis of Flux - Chapter 10

Chapter 10 - Streets of Orion City

December 19, 998

Afternoon

The carriage came to a halt in the heart of Orion City, the clattering of hooves stopped. South stepped out first, squinting up at the towering skyscrapers that reached the clouds. signs flickered in every direction, and the scent of street food filled the air. People bustled about, vendors shouted their deals, and every person seemed alive.

South had never seen anything like it.

Zofia paid the carriage driver, slipping him a few extra coins for the ride. She joined South on the sidewalk, nudging him playfully as she grabbed his hand. "Hold my hand while we walk," she said. South, immediately flustered, tried to pull away but gave in, muttering something under his breath.

"This city's crowded, y'know," Zofia teased, swinging his arm playfully. "Gotta stick close or you'll get lost. Besides, you look like you've never seen a city before."

South glanced away. "I haven't… at least, not like this." He tried to focus on anything but Zofia's hand in his, taking in the vibrancy around him. The city was alive, street vendors cooking over open flames, the smell of fresh bread and roasted meats, kids running around with bright balloons, and shop windows full of all kinds of things South had never thought of needing.

"Look at you, wide-eyed like a kid in a candy shop," Zofia laughed, pulling him along. "But don't stare too long, or someone's gonna think you're a tourist and pick your pockets."

South smiled. "You're enjoying this way too much."

"Maybe I am," Zofia admitted, leading him past an older couple selling steaming bowls of spicy noodles. "It's fun seeing you out of your comfort zone."

They walked through the crowd until they reached a small, high-end fragrance shop in between two larger stores. Zofia pushed open the door. Rows of perfumes lined the walls, each design majestic. Zofia let go of South's hand and started sniffing bottles, testing the air with each spray.

"C'mon, we're finding you a signature scent," Zofia said, picking up a black bottle. She sprayed a bit on her wrist, took a sniff, and immediately crinkled her nose. "Too sweet. We need something masculine, something sharp."

South awkwardly picked up a bottle with a simple design, spraying it on the testing paper provided. He took a hesitant sniff, instantly coughing. "Smells like a damn bonfire."

Zofia laughed, taking the bottle from him. "Close, but not quite. Here, try this." She handed him another, this one was a dark amber, with notes of pepper, wood, and a hint of something spicy. South hesitantly sniffed, and this time, his reaction was different.

"Whoa… that's… that's good," he admitted, feeling the warm, sharp notes tingling his smell.

Zofia's eyes sparkled. "That's the one. It's got a spicy kick with a woody base. Trust me, you're going to turn heads. All the ladies will be after you."

South rolled his eyes. "I don't care about that."

"Sure you don't," Zofia teased, and then flagged down the shop assistant to make the purchase. "We'll take the big bottle, please."

After paying, Zofia handed South the small bag containing the fragrance. "Don't say I never get you anything nice."

They left the fragrance store, and Zofia led South a little further down the street to a trendy clothing shop. Inside, the walls were lined with everything from casual streetwear to business suits. Zofia dragged South from rack to rack, picking out a lot of clothing.

"How about this?" She held up a dark blue puff jacket with subtle silver accents. "Looks warm and stylish. Fits you perfectly."

South shrugged but tried it on. The jacket fit snugly and felt comfortable, unlike the worn-out clothing he usually wore. "Not bad."

"Not bad? South, you look great." She started pulling more items, black cargo pants, a sharp black cargo shirt, and even a black designer coat. South tried each one, the unfamiliar sensation of fresh, well-fitting clothes making him feel awkwardly self-aware but also… good.

"You're gonna need this one too," Zofia said, handing him a dark blue beanie and a pair of branded sneakers. "You're not just fighting demons, you've gotta look the part."

Zofia led South to the dressing room area at the back of the store. She found an empty booth, pulled back the curtain, and gestured for him to go inside. "Go on, try everything on. I want to see the full effect," she said, leaning against the doorframe.

South hesitated. "You're really gonna wait here?"

Zofia laughed, crossing her arms. "Obviously. You think I'm just gonna let you buy all this stuff and not see how good you look in it? Besides, I've already invested too much time in this makeover to back out now."

South sighed but stepped inside, closing the curtain behind him. He started to change, swapping his worn-out clothes for the new ones, cargo pants, cargo shirt, sneakers, and finally, the puff jacket that Zofia had picked out. As he buttoned up the jacket, he hesitated for a moment, then pulled out the fragrance she had bought earlier. He spritzed a little onto his wrist, neck, and chest.

"Everything good there?" Zofia called out.

"Yeah, just… trying it all on," South mumbled, feeling a bit self-conscious.

Zofia patiently waits, drumming her fingers on the wall. "Take your time, hot stuff."

South nearly choked, pulling back the curtain a little too forcefully. "Don't call me that."

Zofia's eyes widened as she took in his new look, the sharp scent of the fragrance drifting out. The combination was striking, and for a moment, she was genuinely taken aback.

"Wow," she said, her teasing tone faltering just a little. "You look… hot." She winked, clearly enjoying the sight of South's flustered expression. "And I can tell you used the fragrance. Nice touch."

South shifted awkwardly, barely looking at Zofia because of the awkwardness. "Don't make it weird."

"I'm not making it weird," Zofia said, raising her hand. "I'm just saying you clean up nice. Really nice, actually."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it."

Zofia took a step closer, adjusting the collar of his jacket with a tug. "You know, South, you should let yourself enjoy this stuff more often. You've earned it."

South nodded, feeling the weight of her words but not quite knowing how to respond. He wasn't used to compliments, especially not ones that felt sincere. "Thanks… for all this."

Zofia gave him a gentle shove toward the curtain. "Alright, hotshot. Let's pay and get out of here before you turn into a full-blown fashion model on me."

She led him to the cashier, where she handed over the clothes tags. As the cashier tallied up the bill, Zofia paid with cash once it was totalled up.

South frowned slightly. "You really don't have to keep paying for everything, you know."

Zofia shrugged. "Consider it my treat. Besides, it's not every day I get to see you all cleaned up."

They exited the store, stepping back into the streets of Orion.

Zofia looped her arm around his, tugging him along. "Shopping's done."

With South's makeover done, Zofia led them to a nearby all-you-can-eat restaurant. Inside, the scent was filled with meats, spices, and freshly baked bread. They were seated quickly, a waiter bringing over menus.

South stared at the menu, overwhelmed by the number of options. Zofia took charge, looking at him. "Don't worry, I got you. You like meat, right?"

South nodded. "Yeah, but… this is a lot."

Zofia smiled, ordering a mix of dishes, wagyu steak, spicy fried chicken, grilled vegetables, and a few side dishes she thought he'd enjoy. As the waiter left, South looked around, still taking in the atmosphere.

Zofia leaned back, eyeing South. "So, what do you think of Orion? Not too shabby, huh?"

"It's… a lot," South admitted, still adjusting to the energy of the city. "But I could get used to this."

Zofia leaned in, whispering. "And who knows, maybe by the end of this, you'll be the one holding my hand."

South's cheeks turned bright red instantly. "You wish."

Zofia giggled, enjoying every moment of his flustered reaction. "Maybe. But let's just enjoy today. After all, we've got the whole city ahead of us."