CHAPTER 63 – THE GRAND SLUM TOUR

JOHNNY WOLVESBANE

Meike graciously offered shelter in her modest apartment, emphasizing the dangers I'd face venturing out without a disguise. The dragonoids of Scrap Town harbored a deep-seated animosity toward humans. While my werewolf lineage ran deep, my appearance didn't stray far from human norms. Even transforming into my Crimson Werewolf form wouldn't completely shield me from suspicion. Trusting Meike's judgment, I patiently awaited her solution.

One morning, as the aroma of brewing coffee filled the room, she burst in, her face alight with excitement.

"Johnny!" she exclaimed, eyes gleaming. "I've done it. You can move about freely now!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for the first time since arriving in Scrap Town, a glimmer of hope sparked within me.

The wooden box Meike presented seemed ordinary at first glance. But as she unveiled its contents, my eyes fixated on the pair of contact lenses nestled within, their crimson hue shimmering against the soft cushioning.

"Contact lenses?" I mused aloud, holding them delicately between my fingers, the sunlight revealing their radiant crimson shade.

"Exactly!" Meike beamed, her excitement palpable. "Once you wear those, no one will ever mistake you for a mere human."

Taking a deep breath, I carefully placed the lenses into my eyes. The initial sensation was foreign and slightly unsettling, but as I blinked a few times, the discomfort lessened. Meeting Meike's gaze, I noticed a mirrored look of wonder reflected in her own sparkling crimson eyes.

"How do I look?" I queried, turning toward Meike.

Her eyes widened in genuine admiration. "Wow! You're rocking that dragonoid look!"

Chuckling, I replied, "Easy on the flattery."

Catching my reflection in a cracked mirror within her apartment, I studied myself closely. The lenses melded seamlessly with my eyes, mimicking the exact shade of crimson that defined Meike's gaze.

Raising an eyebrow, I questioned, "Where did you manage to find these?"

With a mischievous grin, Meike replied, "Let's just say I have connections. A chain of them, to be precise." She posed confidently, hands on her hips. "Being the town nurse has its perks. I've got more pull in these slums than you'd imagine."

Laughing softly, I remarked, "So not only will you heal wounds, but you're also the go-to for a transformative disguise. Impressive."

"Now you're the one teasing!" Meike huffed, puffing her cheeks in mock irritation. Was she trying to imitate a blowfish?

I couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Alright, alright."

Giggling in response, Meike abruptly shifted her demeanor, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the door. "Hihihi! Come on, Johnny. Time for a tour of the town!"

As we stepped out into the labyrinthine streets of Scrap Town, I couldn't shake the feeling that, with Meike by my side, this dragonoid disguise might just be the key to navigating the tumultuous currents of this unpredictable place.

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It felt invigorating to witness Meike's pride and enthusiasm for Scrap Town, despite its notorious reputation. Our first stop was a dimly lit bar, a gathering spot for a motley crew of dragonoid misfits. Behind the counter stood a striking figure: an elderly woman with dark skin contrasted by a wild, white afro. Her fingers sparkled with ostentatious jewelry, though even at a glance, one could discern their lack of authenticity.

"Good morning, Ejane!" Meike greeted warmly, offering a radiant smile and a friendly wave to the adorned bartender.

Ejane's eyes twinkled, a hint of recognition crossing her features. Then, as her gaze traveled from my feet to my head, a subtle grimace played on her lips. "Ah, the infamous Johnny," she remarked with a touch of disdain.

"He's new here," Meike quickly intervened, sensing the tension. "Just showing him the ropes."

The atmosphere grew slightly tense, hinting at underlying currents of history or mistrust between the seasoned bartender and newcomers like myself.

The atmosphere in the dimly lit bar took an intense turn as Ejane, with a fierce protectiveness, pulled me close. Her words, though whispered, carried a weighty warning. "Listen up, young blood. Meike is like a daughter to me. Whatever you will do to her, I will do it to you."

Trying to diffuse the tension with a jest, I quipped, "So, if I kiss her, are you going to kiss me too?"

Ejane's response was immediate and firm, her grip on my wrist tightening painfully. "Watch your tongue, boy. Cross the line, and you'll regret it."

Struggling slightly under her grip, I stammered, "Alright, alright!"

With a final stern look, Ejane released me, shifting back into her previous jovial demeanor. "You kids take care now," she said, waving us off.

Meike, none the wiser to the underlying threat, beamed with gratitude. "Thanks, Ejane! Catch you later!" She waved cheerfully, leading me further into the heart of Scrap Town.

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Our next stop was the scrap shop. The scrap shop was an architectural marvel of repurposed rusted airship parts, meticulously transformed into a functional space. The very bones of old airships now served as walls, floors, and ceilings. At its center stood a sinewy figure whose skin was a canvas of intricate tattoos, leaving barely a patch untouched.

"Hey there, Ken!" Meike greeted, her friendly smile unwavering.

Ken's eyes lit up at the sight of her. "Meike baby, been waitin' for you to— Wait, who's this?" His gaze shifted to me, curiosity and suspicion flickering in his eyes.

Meike proudly introduced me, "This is Johnny. He's new in town, and I'm showing him around our lovely place."

The scrap shop owner, offered his services with a wink and a jest. "If you ever need anything metal-related—weapons, vehicles, even steampunk grimoires—I'm your man. Just drop by, especially if Meike is with you." His playful comment earned a laugh from Meike.

"Hahaha, you're quite the character, Ken. See you around!" Meike waved as we left the shop.

As we strolled along the road, I couldn't help but smile at the vivacious dragonoid beside me. "Were you born here? You seem to know a lot of people."

Meike's expression shifted, and she began to share a part of her story. "No, we came here about eight years ago. My mother and I had to escape a serious debt situation in Goldcliffe City. The loan sharks were after us, so we settled here."

Understanding her situation a bit more, I inquired, "And your mother? Where is she now?"

Meike's eyes shimmered with memories as she spoke. "She battled a terminal illness and passed away three years ago."

My heart sank, and I offered a sincere bow. "I'm truly sorry for your loss."

Shaking off the weight of the moment, Meike clapped her hands and gazed skyward, her expression a mix of nostalgia and acceptance. "During her illness, I did what I could, tried to be her nurse in my own limited way. My knowledge of healing magic was sparse, but I did my best to ease her pain, even if just a little."

"You have a natural gift," I reassured her. "Look at what you did for me. That's no small feat."

Blushing slightly, Meike laughed off my compliment. "You're too kind, Johnny. But enough about that. Our next stop is something special. You'll see."

With a renewed sense of purpose, we continued our tour, eager for what lay ahead.

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Meike and I traversed the slums for about five minutes until a bell tower came into view. Standing at five floors tall, it emitted a vibrant crimson light that reached into the sky. While there was no discernible physical or magical force emanating from the tower, my right arm, bearing the Mark of Vesryn, tingled with a strange sensation.

"We've arrived," Meike announced, extending her arm to indicate a ruined church at the heart of a picturesque flower field. "Welcome to our Cathedral Exa."