“Welcome to Luna, the City of Dreams! The land of infinite possibilities where your wildest dreams come true!”

The shadow of the mountainous city dipped down toward Isra and Yasen as they got off the ship, holding their breath with fear of gagging from the rotten air. The city reeked of garbage that even its stench carried over to the murky green sea.

Despite its dangerous and dirty reputation, the tall bustling slum stacked on top of each other like layered cakes with each block making up a unique piece of the city. Tons of various businesses crammed together with tiny residential units and scattered industries.

Yasen’s nose wrinkled. “Smells like a ship of sweaty pirates that haven’t bathed for weeks.”

Isra smirked wryly. "Regret coming with me?"

"No, cap'n," Yasen replied, pulling Isra closer by her waist. "I shall follow you to the depths of hell even if I have to die in a garbage dump. You're like a rose blooming in this city. All I need is to smell you for a speedy recovery."

Isra laughed, rolling her eyes as her cheeks slightly flushed. "You and your silver tongue."

It's been about an eventful week they shared together since they last departed from the Garnet crew. The former pirate captain was adjusting to Yasen's company, but she was still a little shy around the bounty hunter.

“I can see why Desert Flower was desperate enough to seek refuge here,” Isra muttered. “The city is a paradise for outlaws since there is no law here.”

“A ‘City of Dreams’," Yasen remarked sarcastically.

“We need to find a place to stay for a couple of days and look for clues where Desert Flower might be."

It sounded like a simple plan, but easier said than done.

"Aye," Yasen nodded her head in agreement. “I got your back.”

The bounty hunter pulled out a scroll from her backpack and unrolled it. “I was able to get a map before we boarded the ship but had to pay a little extra...”

“Planning ahead of me?” Isra asked, grinning.

Yasen winked. “Impressed, cap’n?”

Isra’s eyes gleamed. “Maybe.”

“I’ll try harder,” Yasen murmured, her lips moving closer to Isra’s ears.

Isra cheeks turned red, feeling Yasen’s warm breath brushing against her skin. It made her shiver, leaving a tingling sensation on her skin. 

Isra pulled away, refocusing her attention on the map in Yasen’s hands.

“We are… here.” Isra pointed her finger at the entrance of the city, the lowest level which was the main commercial unit.

“Becomes more residential the higher you go,” Yasen began, scanning the map from bottom to top. “Let’s just explore and maybe we’ll find our luck.”

Isra nodded in agreement. “Anywhere more pleasant than here.”

“Shall I lead the way?” Yasen grinned.

Smiling, Isra hooked her arm around Yasen’s. “Please.”