Tōga strode confidently through the bustling streets of Era, his bright brown eyes alight with curiosity as he took in the city’s grandeur. The sunlight bounced off polished stone buildings, illuminating the intricate architecture that framed the lively streets. The air buzzed with energy—vendors shouting their wares, children laughing as they darted through the crowds, and musicians adding a rhythmic heartbeat to the city’s hum. It was the perfect day for a stroll: the sky painted a soft blue, dotted with lazy clouds, and a gentle breeze weaving through the streets. After weeks of grueling Rune Knight duties, from managing political affairs to overseeing sanctuary operations, Tōga welcomed this rare moment of freedom with open arms.
Dressed for comfort, he wore a loose red hoodie that swayed slightly with each animated step, paired with sleek black tapered pants and well-worn sneakers. His signature pink hair caught the light, a vibrant beacon in the sea of people. Heads turned as he passed, though whether it was his striking appearance or the contagious enthusiasm in his stride was anyone’s guess.
Behind him, Strigr followed closely, her more reserved demeanor a stark contrast to Tōga’s boisterous energy. In her human form, the dragoness moved tentatively, her golden hair cascading down her back, catching in the sunlight like strands of spun silk. She clung to the edges of the bustling crowd, her slender frame wrapped in a delicate kimono that fluttered with every hurried step. The short hemline, while elegant, did little to accommodate the pace her master set.
“Otō-san! Slow down!” Strigr called, her voice carrying a note of exasperation as she struggled to keep up. The flurry of activity around her made her feel exposed, and she fought to stay within arm’s reach of Tōga, her feet shuffling in an effort to match his long strides.
Tōga glanced back with a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Ooooooi, Strigr-chan! If we slow down, we won’t get to see as much of the town!” he declared, as if it were the most obvious truth in the world.
Strigr blinked, her expression a mix of confusion and quiet disbelief. She didn’t question his logic—it was sound in theory—but the practicality left much to be desired. Still, she had long since accepted that her master operated on his own rhythm, one driven by unrelenting curiosity and boundless energy.
“And besides,” Tōga added, his nose twitching as he suddenly stopped mid-step, “we might lose his scent.” He tilted his head slightly, his expression shifting to one of focused determination. His sharp senses flared, catching a familiar trail amidst the medley of city smells: warm spices from a nearby vendor, the metallic tang of armor polished to a shine, and there—faint but unmistakable—the distinct scent he knew so well.
Without warning, Tōga took off again, weaving through the crowd with renewed purpose. “Found him!” he called back, his voice brimming with excitement as his hunt turned into a chase. Strigr sighed but followed, her steps quickening as she tried to keep pace. The streets blurred around them, a tapestry of life and color as Tōga zeroed in on his target. He could feel it now, the presence of an old friend who had just entered the city.
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