It was bigger than he expected. Even though he was only in the outskirts of the city, he noticed that the housing was way sturdier than any of the homes in his village. There was something old-fashioned and homely about them.

The buildings in front of him were all designed similarly. The walls were painted white, with the windows placed evenly. The shutters looked wooden and painted a mahogany, the same color as the tile roofs. The people huddled quickly as they ran to and fro on the dirt streets.

Ignei took in the scene as he took in a deep breath, before beginning his journey towards somewhere. As he passed the people, they continued on their own way. He then regretted not packing any food on his trip, as his stomach began to grumble. He looked up, looking for signs that would give him food to eat.

He came across a nice, homely looking restaurant. With great determination, he squeezed through the rushing crowd, trying not to trip as he continued his way into the building. After a few setbacks, a few trippings, he made it, partially unscathed.

There weren’t any people around. He blinked. Was it closed at this time? It seemed impossible, from what he could tell, the sun was high, and the door was unlocked.

Then, someone waltzed in, a strange man, who had an eerie unnatural smile on his face. “Ah! A customer! Finally! Business was… well…” Ignei felt a little uncomfortable, but decided to seat himself anyway. He took the wooden chair nearest to the exit, and a waiter came to his assistance. He handed him a piece of paper.

“Anything you want to order?” he asked him.

Ignei blinked as he stared at the menu. “Uhhh…” he said, not wanting to be near him. “You have… any recommendations?”

The waiter smiled. “Of course, we have today’s special, and those are always good… Okay, then one special for you!” he quickly exited his sight and Ignei looked outside to see the people rushing. However, as he stared more carefully at the crowd, he noticed that they moved in a rather, mechanical fashion. He was busy looking at the scene that he didn’t notice that his plate was placed down on the wooden table.

When he heard the plate slam on the table, he jumped up in surprise. “Your meal, sir,” the waiter said, his smile fading. “Your money?”

Ignei’s eyes widened. What was going on?

“Well? You didn’t expect to eat for free?” he said quickly his smile seriously creeping him out.

He then realized that something was wrong. He stood up from his seat and took a couple of steps, reaching for the door. The waiter tilted his head and by then his smile completely disappeared. “Where are you going sir? You haven’t eaten yet…”

Ignei jiggled the doorknob, only to realize that the door was locked. How? “Uh, well, I realized that I left my money at home, if you just get me out of here, I’ll go fetch it…”

The waiter picked up the plate of food. Today’s special. “You aren’t going to eat? If you didn’t have any money, you could’ve said so…”

What the hell is wrong with these people? He desperately looked for the cashier, only to notice that he disappeared. What was going on? He tried to remain calm, but sweat slowly appeared on his forehead. He immediately put up his hands in front of him. “Look man, I’m sorry! I just thought… uh…” He was stuck.

“Well, then, I guess I have to call the guards, you wretched thief.”

The waiter placed the bowl back down and ran towards him. Ignei swiftly dodged the waiter’s hands, blocking any other attacks with his hands.

“You brat!” he screamed as he jumped towards the boy.

“I didn’t do anything! Jeez!” he quickly replied and suddenly, something bright flashed from his hands. Before he knew it, the waiter fell backwards onto one of the back tables, his head swollen and burnt. While he was knocked out, Ignei threw his weight on the locked door, only to have himself falling on the dirt. With all the humiliation, he was sure to die there, trampled by the people.

Of course, instead, he found himself surrounded by soldiers with the symbol of three moons and a crescent sun ebbed on their crest. The Royal symbol.

“You are under arrest, boy for destruction of property,” the soldier stated as he hoisted up the boy. The commanding officer snapped his fingers, and the other officers held up his arms and threw him into a strange box. Then, all was dark.