"What is happening? Why is Yuda still here?"
The questions haunted Aya's mind like ghosts. The memory of being a puppet—of almost being "preyed upon" by the vampire—made her blood run cold.
"Aya, I'm sorry," Yuda began, his voice soft.
"Stay back! Who do you think you are?!" Aya screamed. "How dare you do those things to me!"
Yuda flinched, his brow furrowing in genuine shock. He couldn't seem to process Aya's sudden hostility. He shot a suspicious look at Ficky.
"Don't look at me," Ficky muttered. "I was just as surprised to find out her consciousness was split. She knew exactly what you were doing to her while she was under."
"So... she knew the whole time?" Yuda asked, his voice wavering.
"Of course she did," Ficky sneered. "Did you think a fox's only value was her tail? They are far more perceptive than creatures like you."
Yuda felt a sting of betrayal. He had agreed to Ficky's terms because he wanted to be near Aya, but the irony was bitter: Aya wanted nothing to do with him. Ficky, meanwhile, felt a grim sense of victory.
"You'll pay for that!" Yuda barked at Ficky before turning back to Aya. He dropped to one knee on the blood-stained snow. "Aya, please... forgive me."
Aya looked away, her eyes catching the dark stains on the floor. She didn't know whose blood it was, and she didn't want to know.
"Yuda, don't come any closer!"
"Aya, I just want to be with you—"
"I said stay back! I hate pushy people like you more than anything!" Aya's rejection was absolute.
Yuda was frozen, his heart heavy with a sadness that even the freezing snow couldn't numb. He stood up slowly, his eyes mourning a connection that only existed in his mind.
"Fine, Aya. But hear this: I am Yuda Troy, a vampire of centuries. I tried to trap you because I couldn't bear to lose you again. Now, I will protect you—even if you hate me for it."
"Are you done talking?" Ficky interrupted, his voice like ice. "Let's move."
Ficky had no patience for lingering. To him, time was the only currency that mattered. They began their trek deeper into the City of Light and Dark.
"Why is he coming with us?" Aya whispered, clutching the hem of Ficky's jacket.
"He won't cause trouble anymore," Ficky replied. "Just stay close to me."
Aya glanced back at Yuda's gloomy silhouette. Ficky was right, she thought. I can't trust anyone here. Even if he thinks he knows me, it's better to stay away. Her principle of trusting others to earn trust was being pushed to its breaking point.
"We're going to a bar tonight," Ficky commanded. "Keep your hood up. Don't let anyone see your face."
The City of Light and Dark lived up to its name; it was a place of eternal twilight where predatory, nocturnal creatures ruled.
Ficky was on edge—not just because of the monsters, but because posters of Aya's face had begun appearing on the walls. She was being hunted.
"Why am I a target even in this city?" Aya asked, shivering.
"I don't know," Ficky admitted. "Have you crossed someone dangerous recently?"
Aya looked back at Yuda, then back at Ficky.
"Besides him? No."
They reached a weathered brown door. Ficky stepped inside the silent tavern, ensuring no other customers were present.
"This is our best shot at shortening our journey," Ficky said.
The bartender, busy polishing a glass, looked up in surprise. "Welcome. Shall I pour you all a drink?"
"Save it," Ficky snapped, standing tall at the bar. "We don't have time. Tell us what we need to know."
"You look like you've been through hell, traveler. You should sit," the bartender suggested.
Reluctantly, Ficky sat. Aya and Yuda followed, forming an awkward trio. The bartender placed three identical drinks before them.
"Lady," the bartender said, looking at Aya's hooded form. "I mean you no harm. I'm one of the good guys."
"I'll be the judge of that," Aya replied sharply, lowering her head further.
The bartender chuckled at Ficky's growing impatience. "Alright, alright. I need you to go to a performance. A Masquerade. It's in another city, but it's connected to D-Dance City."
Ficky fell silent, his mind racing.
"I hope," the bartender added solemnly, "that you all make it through safely."