I’m not still not sure about my feelings. No matter how much I think about it, I can’t understand. I’m crying, but I don’t know why. Not because they are relatively nice to me. Not because humas hate me. Even I don’t hate myself. But why then? My memories? No that’s not it. That’s not me so I can’t feel anything but pity.

Why? Why? I don’t understand. I don’t even notice that I already buried my face between my legs. Just what is this? I can’t understand.

(Charlot) “Red? It’s alright, calm down.” She hugs me, but I don’t feel anything from it.

Why I’m crying more and more? My whole body is burning. I just want to rest. Let me sleep.

(Garrett) “Get away from her, what if she starts to rampage?” But he was quickly shot down.

(Charlot) “It’s your fucking fault. Shut your filthy mouth already.”

Saying that Charlot embraces me, and holds me tight. I fall asleep, so I don’t remember anymore.

I wake up an hour later sleeping on Charlot’s lap. She greets me with a bright smile, and helps me stand up. My unpredictable feelings are all over the place, but I know they will only make me go mad. The only thing I can do is ignoring everything, and take it slowly.

(Me) “I’m sorry. I seem to have caused you many problems.” Her smile doesn’t help at all, but I’ll manage myself somehow.

(Charlot) “Red, the other two went home already. Do you want to come with me? I might not look like it, but I have some influence. I’ll make sure you can freely go in and out. How about it?”

Her offer is quite good for me. This is what I originally wanted to achieve. I might have slipped a little tough… If she can get me a free pass I can sell some of my goods. I shouldn’t refuse it. I have no reason to refuse. But… No, I decided to ignore my instincts. It basically screams to refuse, I don’t know why. I guess I’ll have to find out.

(Me) “Yes. Thank you.” I slowly said. I quietly follow her towards the town. It is dark, it’s not a problem for me, but she can barely see anything.

It is a long walk. We walk very slowly, so it takes a lot of time. It is probably midnight when we arrive at the gates.  I didn’t say a word since our depart. It’s easier this way. At the gate two guards are standing.

(City Guard 1) “Who are you?” He ask about 5 meters away. He can’t see my color in the dark.

(Charlot) “It’s me, Charlot, and my friend, Red. She’s a demon by the way. Take a good look at her since I’ll beat your ass if you disrespect her.”

We are standing in front of him. He holds his lantern towards my face, clearly showing a frightened face.

(City Guard 1) “A red demon? Are you sure? The mayor won’t be happy.”

Charlot merely clicks her tongue. After mumbling “I’ll deal with him myself” she goes past the guard. My legs won’t move, so she has to grab my hand firmly and drag me trough the gate and streets.

The stone pathway is clean and well made. The houses and shops are all similar, yet nice looking. Sometimes a wooden sign stands out from the perfectness, signaling the meaning of the place. One of those, an inn sign is where I’m finally released.

(Charlot) “Did you manage to calm down?” I nod. “Good. We go in, you sit down a little and I’ll go and speak with the mayor. He’s got some.. Circumstances. Dont hate him.”

She opens the door and walks in. There are many humas drinking and eating while sitting next to tables. Most of them are men. They don’t mind her too much, but when they see me all of them starts to stare at me. Not for long, since they notice Charlot’s heated glare they pretend that nothing happened.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I’m led to the the counter. Since my companion talks to the bartender I just sit down on a bar stool.

(Charlot) “Just keep an eye on her while I’m not here. Ten minutes”

After some nagging he finally gives up. Charlot storms out of the building, leaving me here alone. It’s worse than I thought. The old man walks in front of me, on the other side of the counter. He looks me in the eyes for a while.

(Old man) “What can I give you, missy?”

(Me) “I’m sorry, I don’t have coins on me.” I can only apologize. When I look closer, I notice that his voice is different than his looks. He seems like some grumpy old man, bit his voice is kind.

(Old man) “That happens more often than not” he places a mug in front of me. It’s smell is mixed with alcohol and some kind of fruit. “This town is infamous for hating demons. How did you end up here?” He asks while stepping a little to the right, serving another customer.

(Me) “Lady Fate and Lady Luck got jealous of my misfortunes.”

He nods in agreement and starts to think. Thinking of what, I don’t know, and don’t care. On the other side of the wall, some drunken man are whispering loudly. Annoying.

(Drunken 1) “But a demon here? Even if she’s the ex-guard captain’s friend, nothing good will happen. We all know why...” You do, but I don’t! Finish your damn sentence.

(Drunken 2) “Just stay low and you won’t get involved. That’s the best.”

I think I won’t hear any useful information from these drunkards. At least one of them is humming a quite lovely song.

I don’t notice, but I also start humming quietly while slowly gulping my drink down. It’s one of my favorites from the other world. The language is totally different though. Noticing the sounds, the old man starts grinning, and offers a deal for me.

(Old man) “You’ve got a lovely voice. If you entertain my guests for a song you are my guest for today. You might earn some coins while at it. Interested?”

I do know my voice is quite good, but not sure if I can sing. Trying won’t hurt. I can clear my debt. Worst case they won’t ask me again.

(Me) “I’m don’t think I’m that good, but I’ll gratefully accept.” I smile kindly.

I stand up, clear my throat, and prepare myself mentally. This is the first time I sing in my life. I start slowly, with deeper tone. One of my favorite songs, with a ridiculous genre. The original singer has such beautiful voice, I can only hope I won’t embarrass her. The high and occasional deep tones almost make it jazz-like, yet it’s still inside the post-rock theme. Every sound I let out carries deep, sad emotions, coated with sweet, happy ones.

I sing. I sing with closed eyes, not noticing everyone is only listening to me. I fall so deep inside my mind, I lose the trail of time again. Was it five minutes? No I repeated at least once. Maybe more?

The only thing that is able to bring me back from my own world, is the door kicked in by a few angry men carrying swords, followed by a crying Charlot. Or is it a screaming Charlot? By the time I notice it, the sword is already swung. Bright, red blood covers my sight, as I fall backwards.

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If you are interested in the song: Youtube Link / Check the description for more info! Yes, Red.