Was this how city people interacted? Or was this old man simply unusual? Helene's memories provided little to no guidance.
I only know she privately thought most of them were supposed to be murderers and thieves because of some of the 'movies' she had seen… and because the Alpha of the Duskpaw stressed the untrustworthiness of people that don't live with nature.
In a small way, I am inclined to agree with that last sentiment. Which is why I have no qualms sitting next to a human spending his time like this.
> It might be better if the creatures don't learn to rely on him, but it doesn't make sense to attribute his simple action as some scheme to belittle the birds… or myself. <
My wolf had been a little restless ever since the system did… whatever that was. But it eases its pacing around when I sit on the bench.
"You're very wise to be able to tell so much just from hearing me for a short time."
"Not so different from what you can tell just by looking at me, is it?"
Yeah, that's exactly what that old blind fox said, too. I look down at myself, seeing the unkempt clothes and shoeless feet. The types of things that people would see and judge.
If the socks had not already been black cotton… I could really, really use a hot bath.
"Fair enough. I've been traveling for days. Just arrived this morning."
"Ah. Come looking for work? Or just passing through?"
I hesitated to answer, again. This gentleman might not be trouble for me right now, but that doesn't mean I should tell him anything too serious.
He might be questioned by people after me.
Just because I do not fully respect the pack this body came from, does not mean I should underestimate the persistence of Chad in particular. A young man that made so many passes against the original body's occupant.
Nor should I forget the fact that Jace is stuck with an impossible bond to a dead soul and is likely still quite 'pissed' about it.
"I'm not sure what I plan to do yet. First, I need to see if I can… maybe convert some items into currency somewhere."
"You mean you're out of money. No shame in that. We all need it to get by."
He scattered more crumbs for the birds before chuckling. What a jovial man. Then he said something that would have caused my ears to perk up if I were in my fox form.
"If you've got something to sell, there's a place I heard about a few blocks from here. The owner doesn't usually ask too many questions, they say."
"What kind of place is it? How do I find it?"
He picked up and pointed with his cane in the direction I'd been headed along the road.
"Head down this street for three blocks, turn right at the big intersection. You'll smell the coffee shop on the opposite corner. Then walk another two blocks. Can't miss the sign, they say. All done up in that 'tacky neon'."
With his instructions given, another of those red markers appeared on the map in my head. Or, well, in my eyes?
More and more, I'm starting to think that there is some deeper connection with my current circumstances, my intentions… and this system.
But wasting time thinking about that isn't going to get me food and shelter.
"Thank you. I truly appreciate this assistance."
The old man nodded at my genuine words. He smiled at me… the expression crinkling his weathered face.
"Vossden's not so bad once you know your way around. Just keep your wits about you. Big cities are always tough on young beauties."
I snort. I know for a human, Helene did look maybe what might be called attractive. Not half as much as my real body was.
But he did not know any of that. Just a blind man throwing empty compliments to be polite.
Sort of like how the old fox always told me not to stick my nose too close to thorned flower stems, so I don't ruin my 'pretty face'.
"I'll keep that in mind. If I see you again in my explorations, I'll be sure to say hello."
"Well, that's something to look forward to."
I stood up and shouldered the backpack. As I did, that strange new sense tingled again. A faint awareness prickled at the back of my neck with raised hairs. Like distant eyes were watching.
> Is someone tracking me here already? <
I casually glanced around, but saw nothing obvious. Just city people hurrying about their business. I released my held breath, knowing it wasn't a good idea to rely on such a sense.
Like I've been relying too much on the strange nature of the system already.
But if it is going to be warning me like a strong sixth sense that I can't stop, then it would be best to grow accustomed to what they might mean.
In any case, I wouldn't waste the old man's advice just because someone might be following me. I'm pretty certain that a shop should have plenty of 'cameras' inside.
That likely isn't a surefire way to remain safe, but it must lower the chance of being attacked considerably… right?
"Whatever you're looking for out of our city, I hope you find it."
He must have noticed I hadn't started to walk away and felt compelled to speak something else. I shake my head to clear it.
"Yes, thank you, once again. I'm sure I will."
I decisively set off in the same direction he'd indicated, so that he would not worry. But since I have this map, I may just pick a few side streets and see if I feel that… intuition, again.
> Finding what I want… safety for myself, this child, and eventual revenge if there is room for it? What else is there… <
The snowflake flickered briefly at the top edge of my vision. Serving as a reminder that no matter what I was seeking, I was supposedly running out of time to find it.
TIME UNTIL APOCALYPSE COMMENCEMENT: 53 DAYS, 17 HOURS, 42 MINUTES
⧖ ☾ ❄ ☽ ⧖
I kept my head down, trying to appear as if I belonged while taking in everything through quick, careful glances. Most humans ignored me, hurrying past with their eyes fixed on devices or staring blankly ahead with the harried expressions of those rushing to lunch meetings.
Of course there were a few that looked directly at me and squinted. I could only assume because I was much, much worse dressed than everyone else moving about. All but two others I'd seen sitting down against the walls, anyway.
Compared to the length of time I traveled to get to the city, this was a short walk. But it felt more tense than most of that journey.
Occasionally, I caught a strong whiff of werewolf scent and would freeze until it passed. So far, none had paid my scent special attention. None had come to check out who I was.
> Or I haven't noticed them… <
A whine of sympathy from my wolf made my spirit huddle closer to it. The gesture would really do nothing. Share no true warmth. But for some reason it made my next steps lighter.
Less than a quarter of an hour after I left the bus bench, I saw a sign that caught my eye. It glowed an annoying white in 'neon' that had been spoken of.
I found myself saying the name aloud, like the tourist I was.
"Silverton Goods & Pawn."
Through the window, I could see shelves crowded with all manner of things. Electronics, jewelry, antiques, and stranger things I couldn't identify from Helene's memory.
A heavyset man with red hair was attending to a customer at the counter, examining what looked like an old pocket watch.
The place seemed perfect at a glance. The unusual variety of things meant my items may fit right in.
However… caution and thoroughness had kept me alive these last days. Before entering, I preferred to ensure I wasn't being followed after all. I consulted my system map and planned a route that would hopefully reveal any pursuers.
I set off down a side street, making a deliberate show of examining a new store's window and interior before abruptly turning left into an alley. Doubling back through a narrow passage between buildings, I then emerged on a parallel street before cutting through a small park.
Each turn and timing was calculated to expose anyone keeping up with me to my periphery.
My meandering path had formed a rough circle, returning me to within a block of the pawn shop after an extra forty minutes. No one had maintained pace with me through the entire route.
I was in the clear… for now. And had wasted a lot of time on making sure!
Time I could have been bartering. Then I could have stopped for any of the delicious smelling food that taunted me from the entrance of every restaurant in this section of town.
> Stop whining, I wanted to eat too! <