I stepped out onto the street, taking in the sights and sounds of Greenhaven. The sun shone bright in the sky, casting a warm glow on everything around me. I'd dismissed Rai-chan back into her incorporeal form, not wanting to draw too much attention to myself.

Walking down the street, I couldn't help but feel like something was off. There was a strange tension in the air, something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I glanced around at the people walking past me, but they seemed to be going about their day normally.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" someone suddenly yelled, causing me to jolt before I slammed straight into something soft.

I turned and looked up to see a tanned, thin Latino man in a black and gold jersey glaring at me, his arms crossed in front of his chest. I must have accidentally bumped into him without realizing it.

"Sorry about that," I said quickly, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Nah, nah, no worries kiddo. Ya new around these parts?" He asked, his expression softening slightly.

"Yeah, just moved here with my family," I lied, hoping to end the conversation quickly and avoid further conflict. I also didn't want it to get out that I was here alone as a 15-year-old teenager.

The man nodded, "Ah, I see. Well, welcome to Greenhaven! Name's Carlos, but most people call me Carl." He extended a hand toward me, and I hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

"I'm Ikki," I said, feeling a bit awkward. The tension in the air seemed to have dissipated, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Carl noticed my discomfort and chuckled, "Don't worry, kid. We're all friendly around here. Ain't nothing to be afraid of."

I forced a smile, feeling embarrassed at my own paranoia. "Sorry about that, just a little nervous being in a new place. I'll be sure to watch where I'm going from now on."

Carl nodded understandingly, "No worries at all. Anyway, if you're just looking around, I've got a recommendation on Lancaster Street if you've got some time. My dad runs a grocery café hybrid over there called Juan in a Million. We've got some of the best empanadas and coffee in the neighborhood. It’s a bit of a local pub even, and you won't regret giving us a go."

I nodded, grateful for the recommendation. "Hey thanks, I'll check it out."

As Carl walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if my uneasiness was just my mind playing tricks on me. But I'd gotten pretty far trusting in my gut. I continued looking around the neighborhood, hoping to find clues about what was bothering me.

"Rai-chan, anything unusual stick out to you here?" I whispered, hoping she could provide some insight.

Rai-chan's response came quickly. "There have been reports of an uptick in reports of assault and battery in this area, as well as several instances of public vandalism. It is possible that you are simply noticing these underlying tensions in the body language of the community members."

I nodded, feeling relieved that there was an explanation for my unease. "Makes sense. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for anything suspicious."

My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I still needed to find something to eat. Remembering Carl's recommendation, I decided to head to the store a block over.

As I walked down the street, I kept a watchful eye out for anything suspicious. The neighborhood seemed quiet and peaceful, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. The store was easy enough to find - a small hybrid store lit by neon signs in both English and Spanish. I pushed open the door and was immediately hit by the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee.

I opened my phone, frowning as I opened the Terra Nova bank app and scanned my balance. When he opened the account, Elio had gifted me 50,000 credits for spending money, but I didn't want to burn through it too quickly.

"Hey there, welcome to Juan in a Million!" a friendly voice called out.

I turned to see a tall man tanned with graying hair, square glasses, and a warm smile standing behind the counter. He wore a white apron and a name tag that read 'Juan.'

"Hi," I greeted, my eyes scanning the menu. The menu was denominated in Terran credits, which made me feel a little out of place.

But I didn't let it stop me - I was starving.

Juan noticed my hesitation and stepped in to help. "Don't know what to order? How about you start off with a classic breakfast sandwich or our signature bacon egg and cheese empanada?

Trust me, they're a crowd pleaser."

I nodded, feeling grateful for the guidance. "Okay, I'll try both of those."

Juan smiled and quickly got to work, pulling out a fresh empanada from the heated display case and warming it up. As he worked, I took a moment to look around the store. Wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with various groceries and household items. A small selection of fruits and vegetables was displayed near the front counter, and the coffee bar sat along the back wall.

"Salsa and sour cream for the empanada?" Juan asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, please," I said, preparing to scan my phone to pay for my order. I hesitated, though, as I pulled up my balance on the screen.

"I'll get ya a coffee too. On the house," Juan said with a smile.

I had to be smart about my spending. Every credit counted, and I couldn't afford to be reckless, not in a place as unpredictable as Terra and Shoreline City.

A breakfast sandwich like that would cost me 825 credits, and an empanada would cost me 550 credits. It was a bit more than I had expected, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. I had to make the money last until I could trade in the two Chaos Cores I'd brought with me.

I scanned my phone, completing the transaction. The digital display confirmed the deduction of 1375 credits. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern as I watched my balance decrease, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the delicious smell of the empanada and sandwich.

"So, are you new around these parts? Haven't seen you around before," Juan asked, handing me the coffee.

"Yeah, I just moved here," I replied, taking the coffee with a thankful nod. "Still trying to get the hang of this place."

Juan leaned on the counter, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Well, best keep your head low and your wits about you. Greenhaven's got its charms, but it's been strange here as of late," he advised, his tone casual but his eyes briefly flickering with a hint of concern.

I noticed the subtle shift in his expression, the slight hesitation as if he wanted to say more but thought better of it. I felt a wealth of knowledge and experience behind those eyes, something that went beyond just running a bodega.

"Thanks for the heads up," I replied, appreciating his indirect warning. "I'll be sure to stay alert."

"Good, good," Juan said, his smile returning. "Enjoy your meal, and if you need anything, just holler."

I thanked him again and found a seat near the window, where I could watch the street life of Greenhaven while I ate.

Tacky neon lights flickered softly outside, advertising various products and services in various colors, while inside, the aroma of fresh food and the warm, inviting atmosphere felt almost timeless.

The sound of wood on wood caught my attention, and I glanced over to see a pair of men sitting at a small table near the back, playing chess. One of them, a middle-aged man with a shiny bald head wearing a tight black t-shirt and cargo pants with a neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard, motioned me over.

"Care for a game, lad?" the bald man asked with a distinct baritone voice in a British accent.

I hesitated before replying, "I'm uh, not very good at chess," I admitted.

"That's quite alright," he said, setting up the board. "It's more about the conversation, really. Come on, join us."

I approached the table cautiously, food in tow. The bald man gestured for me to take a seat across from him. His companion, an older man in denim overalls with a gray handlebar mustache, observed me with quiet interest.

As the bald man arranged the chess pieces, I couldn't help but notice the subtle scars on his hands, the kind you get from years of hard, physical work. His posture was straight, disciplined, and… almost military-like.

"So, what brings a strappin' young lad like yourself to this neighborhood?" he asked, his voice carrying a certain depth and experience.

"I just moved here for school today," I replied, picking up the queen pawn and hesitating over my move before advancing it two spaces. "Still trying to find my way around before classes start next week."

The man nodded, moving one of his pieces with practiced ease. "Aye. This city can be a bit of a bloody pain, but you'll get it. Just takes a bit of time, is all."

"I… suppose so, sir," I said cautiously, moving another pawn forward to reinforce it.

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"Sir?" The man chuckled softly. "No need for all right and proper talk like that. Call me Bishop. My mates used to call me 'Bishop' back in my service days. Quite a fitting name for a chess enthusiast, don't you think?" His eyes held a glint of humor, but there was something else there, too — a depth shaped by experiences I could only imagine.

I grinned awkwardly, "Bishop it is then. Uh, you can call me Ikazuchi."

Bishop raised an eyebrow at the name as he mirrored my pawn movement. "Ikazuchi, eh? Don't hear a lot of Japanese names on this side of the continent. Did ya come here by plane or… did you cross through the portal from New York?"

"My family was from the city before the… Fall. We actually joined the re-settling efforts in Manhattan a month ago," I murmured, advancing my knight.

Bishop nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and something else, perhaps respect.

"A brave move, that. Not many would dare to tread back into a place with such... memories. But then again, I reckon you're not like most."

I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his gaze. "Yeah, it's been a journey, alright. I was a toddler when the big attack happened. I… lost my mother when it happened. I don't remember much from back then. Dad tells me I was injured pretty badly, though."

Bishop's expression softened, a sense of empathy evident in his eyes. "Sorry to hear that. Loss like that... it changes you, carves a piece out of yer heart."

He paused, carefully moving his knight on the board, then looked up at me thoughtfully. "You know, Ikazuchi, this world's a rough place, especially for those who've lost. You're here for school, you say?

"Yeah, they've been spinning up a couple of programs, and I managed to land in one," I explained, cautiously moving my bishop across the board.

Bishop nodded thoughtfully, his fingers tracing the edges of a rook. "Education's important, lad. Opens doors, gives ya options."

I nodded, understanding his point but unsure how to respond. Bishop continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "These Terrans, they've brought much to Earth. Technology, knowledge, stopgaps in security. But there's always a price, isn't there?"

I felt a flicker of curiosity and concern. "What do you mean?"

"Think on it for a minute, lad. Terra's population has never exceeded two billion people throughout its history. The risk of Chaos Events rippin' rural settlements a new asshole now and then has caused its society to become far more efficient. Far more compact. Far more… socially plutocratic. With a fraction of the population we did, they had a lot less Newtons and Da Vincis, you follow?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of unease wash over me as I looked at his hands again. He'd clearly seen his share of hard labor.

Bishop leaned back in his chair, his northern accent adding a certain weight to his words. "Now, these Terrans, they're a resourceful lot, but let's face it. Fighting Chaos Beasts and Aberrations all the time is hard work, and they need men in the field eating the casualties, leaving gaps at home. There just aren't enough Skirts to cover everything when a big attack happens. So, who do you think they've turned to for heavy lifting since the dust settled a decade ago?" He gestured vaguely with his hand, a knowing look in his eyes.

I paused, considering his question. "The Earth immigrants?" I guessed, feeling a bit out of my depth.

Bishop nodded as he expertly cut off a pawn I'd set up with his knight, "Exactly. Earth folks, hard-working and all, getting the short end of the stick. The attitude's prevalent. It's subtle, but it's there. The Terrans, they appreciate our muscles more than our minds, if you get my drift. Ironic, considering how much of our tech we handed over for aid."

His tone was casual, but there was an edge to his words, a hint of bitterness perhaps. "And I'd reckon we'd be some mighty fine cannon fodder if another Chaos War happens in a lifetime or two."

I sat there, listening intently to Bishop's words, feeling a sense of unease slowly but surely gnawing at my heart. The thought of being treated as nothing more than disposable pawns made me sick to my stomach.

"You must have seen things. Things that most people can't even begin to imagine," I said, the question bubbling up involuntarily from within me.

Bishop looked at me, his eyes haunted by a thousand memories, his face lined with the weight of a lifetime of hardships. "Aye, lad," he said, his voice soft and somber. "I've seen things that would make your hair stand on end. Things that would make you question the very nature of humanity itself. Now, tell me. How did you get those bruises?"

I subconsciously reached up to touch the fading marks on my face, feeling a wave of embarrassment and discomfort wash over me. "Oh, it's nothing. I got into a bit of a scuffle before leaving the city. It's just a few cuts and bruises. Mostly healed up by now."

I'd have orientation in two days, and it was more and more likely that I'd still have visible marks by then. I didn't exactly want to show up on my first day at the academy looking like a troublemaker.

"A scholar with a bit of a fighter in you, I see," Bishop chuckled, his eyes taking on a glint of amusement. "Well, lad, let me tell you something. Out here, in this world, it pays to know how to fight. Not just the physical kind, but the mental kind as well. You need to be able to stand up for yourself, to protect what's yours, to fight for what you believe in."

He leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine. "But you also need to know when to pick your battles, when to be diplomatic. You can't always use brute force to get what you want.

Sometimes, you need to use your mind, use your words. That's how you survive out here, lad."

"Yeah... I get you. The thugs in the city didn't exactly give me a choice, though. They just attacked me out of nowhere," I replied, feeling a sense of shame wash over me. I didn't like thinking about the incident, but it had left its mark on me.

"Sometimes, violence is the only language some people understand. But it's not a language you want to rely on too often. You don't want to become a monster, Ikazuchi. You don't want to lose that part of yourself that sets you apart from the beasts out there."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Bishop for his words of wisdom. It was clear to me that he was a man who'd seen and lived through more than most and had a lot to teach me if I was willing to learn.

"Thank you, Bishop," I said, squirming from his sharp stare. "I think I have a lot to learn from you."

He chuckled, barely looking at the board as he boxed in my Queen. "Young and humble, eh? Well, we all have a lot to learn, lad. Who knows, you might even have something to teach me. If not now, then sooner or later."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe towards Bishop. He was a tough, hardened man but also had a surprising amount of empathy, charisma, and wisdom. Clearly, he'd lived a full life and had a wealth of knowledge to share.

I leaned forward, my eyes focused on the chessboard as I made a move, trying to think ahead. "Do you think I'll be alright out here?" I asked, my voice low as fear and uncertainty crept into my heart.

Bishop looked at me, holding a sharp and steady gaze. "You'll be fine, Ikazuchi. I didn't mean to scare ya, but you're a smart kid, and you've got grit. You'll find your place out here, one way or another. Just remember what I told you. The world is a rough place, and you need to be careful who you trust. Do pay mind to watch your back around some of the more unsavory characters in this city. They'll see a polite, fresh-faced kid like you, sans bruises and everything, and try to take advantage."

His words hung heavily in the air, making me realize how alone I was in this new world. I had already survived a rough time back on Earth, though, so I was confident I could handle whatever came my way. All I needed was a bit of guidance, a bit of luck, and a lot of determination. As I made my next move on the board, I felt a sense of resolve building within me.

I nodded, feeling grateful for the warning. "Thank you, Bishop. I'll be careful."

I looked back down at the chessboard and frowned. It wasn't checkmate yet... but I could see Bishop getting dangerously close to a setup. I bit my lip, thinking furiously about my next move. Suddenly, I saw an opening.

I grinned, feeling a rush of excitement and adrenaline. I made my move, my heart beating fast as I waited for Bishop's response. For a moment, it seemed as if he hadn't noticed my move - but then, with a gleeful chuckle, he swept his rook across the board and blocked off my pawn's path.

"Good try, kid," he said, his eyes crinkling with amusement. The man who'd been silently watching us play finally cracked a smile, nodding his head in approval. "But you'll need to be quicker if you want to beat old Bishop here."

"Well, I guess I'm out of options," I said, laughing at my failed attempt. "You're too good for me, Bishop. Looks like checkmate in five or six then."

Bishop leaned back in his seat, rubbing his hands together. "Aye, well, I've been playing this game longer than you've been alive, lad. But don't worry, you'll get better with practice. Edward and I are here pretty much every weekend at this time. Anyway, you should probably finish your food and get on going. Juan's microwave is free for use."

I nodded, feeling satisfied despite my loss on the chessboard. Bishop had given me valuable advice and insight.

"Thanks, Bishop. I'll see you later," I said, getting up from the table to grab my cold sandwich and empanada from the table.

As I made my way to the microwave, I couldn't help but look around the dingy, dimly lit room, feeling a sense of discomfort as I took in the other occupants. There were eleven other folks from Earth here for lunch, mostly between the ages of thirty to sixty. Some were stoic and silent, while others laughed and chatted with each other animatedly. I tried my best not to stare, but it was hard not to notice the various scars, tattoos, and concealed knives that some of them carried. It was clear that this was a place that was a rough neighborhood, to say the least. Friendly but definitely not a place for the faint of heart.

I stuck my food in the microwave, twiddling my thumbs as the timer counted down. I couldn't help but feel that Bishop was holding something back. There was a depth to him, a sense of sadness that lingered behind his wise words and rugged exterior. I wanted to ask him about it, to find out what had led him down this unusual life path and why he held his views. But something told me it wasn't the right time.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the door to the store opened, letting in a gust of cold air. In walked a tall, muscular 30-something Caucasian woman with neck-length black hair and piercing blue eyes wearing a light black hoodie over a blue tank top and dog tags. She scanned the room, her gaze eventually settling on me. I tensed, feeling a sense of unease wash over me.

There was something in her eyes that made me feel like prey.

She sauntered over to me, her eyes roaming up and down my body. "Hey there, kid. New around here?" she asked, her voice rough and husky as she grinned at me.

I took a step back out of instinct. "Yeah... just passing through," I replied, my voice steady as I tried to hide my fear. There wasn't anything that explicitly marked her as hostile, but I was immediately on guard.

"Ease up, Doberman," Bishop said, his tone firm as he stood up from the table. "This is Ikazuchi, he's new here. Can't you see the kid's just trying to each his lunch in peace? Leave the damned lad alone. You're scaring him."

The woman - 'Doberman' - shrugged, her gaze flickering over to Bishop in... deference before settling back on me. "Just trying to be friendly, ol' Captain," she said, her smile turning into a wolf-like grin.

I could sense the tension in the room rising as more people turned to watch the exchange. I felt exposed and vulnerable like I was standing in the middle of a lion's den. I knew I needed to get out of there as fast as possible.

"I-it's fine, I should go," I said, moving quickly to the microwave to grab my food. "Thanks for the game, Bishop," I added, not daring to look back as I hurried towards the door. As I pushed my way out of the store, I could feel the chilly autumn wind biting at my skin, but I didn't care. My only goal was to get as far away from Doberman and her unsettling smile as quickly as possible.

"Ah, easy lad," Bishop commented as I walked away. "She ain't around here often. Don't you worry."

I didn't answer; instead, I quickened my pace and broke out into a run. I didn't stop until I reached the safety of my apartment, where I collapsed onto the bed, trying to calm my racing heart and shaking hands. My encounter with Doberman had left me rattled. I wasn't sure what she was involved in, but I knew it was nothing good. I laid my head against the pillow, trying to clear my mind and take a moment to process what had happened.

"Rai-chan," I murmured. "Did anything seem off to you about that woman?"

Rai-chan was quiet momentarily as if she was considering my question.

"She appeared to be a fully normal human from Earth," she finally intoned, "It seemed that she had some sort of standing with Bishop. He did not seem to think ill of her, and she did not radiate any mana signatures,"

I sighed and tried to relax, though I still felt uneasy. As much as I wanted to trust Bishop, I learned to trust my gut.

That woman had scared the daylights out of me at a glance, and if Doberman was connected to him, then what else could he be involved in?

Whatever the case was, I had a feeling that the neighborhood had more secrets than I imagined, and I didn't want to get caught up in them.