I walk along the street, keeping close to the edge like a cautious animal. Those metal beasts—cars, as humans call them—are far too unpredictable for my liking. It feels like it can send me flying back to somewhere far from here. I would rather not tempt fate again.
I sigh, rubbing my temple clearly stressing myself out. "Why did I descend without an actual plan?" I mutter under my breath. "Of all the reckless—how could I be so—" I cut myself off, groaning. There is no one to blame but myself. I, an entity who has watched the flow of time for eons, thought it is wise to step into the mortal realm without any preparation. Brilliant.
My irritation is interrupted when a stranger suddenly stops in front of me. A young man grins, holding up that strange glowing rectangle again.
"Dude, that cosplay is sick! Can I get a pic?"
I blink. "A... pic?"
"Yeah, man! Just stand still—there we go!" He presses something on the screen, and a tiny flash of light blinds me momentarily.
I rub my eyes. "What just—?"
"Thanks, bro! You look just like a character from some ancient cultivation novel! Hardcore!" He gives me a thumbs-up before walking away.
I stare after him, stunned. I even imitated the action he did with his hands. It seems cool to them so why not?
But well, that was... unexpected.
A few minutes later, another person approaches. Then another. And another.
"Nice cosplay, man!"
"That robe is dope! What anime is it from?"
"Bro, can you do some kung fu moves?"
I don't know whether to feel honored or insulted.
This is my warden's robe—a garment I have worn for as long as I have existed. And yet, these humans mistake it for some kind of performance costume? Outrageous!
Then again... perhaps I should not complain. If they believe I am merely an actor, then they will not question my presence. It is an unintentional disguise.
Still, I sigh, pressing my fingers to my temple. This is ridiculous.
But I do know one thing.
I have a much bigger problem...
I do not know where I am.
For the love of time...
I continue walking, trying to ignore the curious glances thrown my way. The city around me is overwhelming—sounds, lights, and movement all blending into a chaotic symphony of modern life. Humans maneuver through it effortlessly, as if this madness is natural. I think I might need some rest so I decided to sit on one of the benches I passed by.
Suddenly, a stranger suddenly plops down beside me on a bench. He looks at me with deep, contemplative eyes.
"Man... your aura is insane. You must be on a spiritual journey, huh?"
I pause. Of all the words I have heard today, this one at least makes some sense.
"Yes," I say solemnly. "A journey of suffering." I sighed...
Whatever's happening today is indeed nothing but suffering...
He nods, completely convinced. "I feel that. Society is a prison, man. Stay strong."
Before I can ask what that even means, he stands up and walks away, leaving me even more confused than before.
Moments later, another passerby waves at me with a smirk. "Alright, Master Oogway, have a nice day."
I simply stare at them, unblinking. "Who in the name of time is Oogway?"
This world is not like the threads of time I have observed. It is cluttered, chaotic, overwhelming. Humans move in every direction, shouting into their glowing rectangles, rushing into strange buildings, vanishing into large metal containers that swallow them whole before speeding away. I do not understand any of it.
A loud growl suddenly rumbles from within me. I freeze.
...
Am I... under attack?
The sensation returns, twisting in my stomach like a coiled beast. I place a hand over my abdomen. No injuries, no wounds... and yet something feels missing, as if a void exists within me.
No...
I'm just hungry...
Sigh
I recognize the feeling from my observations. Humans must consume sustenance to function. But that raises another issue—I have no means to acquire food.
I glance at a stand overflowing with skewered meat, the scent making my stomach tighten painfully. A line of humans exchange small paper rectangles for the food.
I reach into my robe.
Empty.
My jaw tightens.
Right...
Currency...
Humans require it to obtain necessities.
A group of young humans walk past, laughing. "Dude, he looks so confused, it's actually kinda sad."
I frown. I am not confused. I am merely... processing.
Another pang of hunger strikes, and I sigh, rubbing my temples.
I descended to observe humans.
Now I must figure out how to survive among them.
At this point, I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a long, tired sigh. "I have made a grave mistake..."
I walk with my head slightly down, lost in my own thoughts. The city's noise has not lessened, nor has my frustration. The longer I spend here, the more I realize just how foolish I have been.
"Why did I descend without an actual plan? What was I thinking? Did I assume things would simply fall into place like some grand cosmic joke?"
The worst part is, I know the answer. I had assumed, foolishly, that my knowledge of time would be enough. That observation alone would translate into understanding. But reality is far crueler than theory. And now, here I am—lost, confused, mistaken for some actor, and worst of all—hungry as hell...
The hunger is the most insulting part. I have witnessed the collapse of empires, the birth of civilizations, and the unraveling of time itself, yet here I am, held hostage by a growling stomach. Truly, this is a new low.
As I continue walking, muttering complaints under my breath, I fail to notice someone in front of me until I collide into them.
I stagger back, rubbing my forehead, ready to unleash my frustration upon whoever dared to stand in my way—until I see who it is.
A glimmer of hope flickers in my chest!
It's actually Horace and Yue!
Finally!
Someone I actually know!
They exchange brief apologies, nodding politely as if I were just another stranger, and prepare to continue on their way.
No. No, no, no! They cannot leave!
Before they can take another step, I reach out and grasp their sleeves, gripping the fabric as though it is my last tether to sanity. "Horace Fibel, Yue Shino, wait!"
The effect is immediate. They freeze in place. Slowly, they turn to face me, their expressions shifting from confusion to something more guarded.
"Wait... What did you just call us?" Horace asks, his voice laced with wariness.
I look at them, searching their faces for any recognition. But of course, they do not know me. They do not remember their past lives. Yet I remember them.
"That is your name," I say simply, a triumphant smirk tugging at my lips. "Your real name."
Their eyes narrow, and Yue exchanges a glance with Horace. This is bad. If I am not careful, I will drive them away. I need them to listen. I need their help.
I swallow my pride and look at them with the most pitiful expression I can muster. The kind that says: Please. I am one inconvenience away from losing my mind.
At that moment, as if the universe itself has chosen to betray me once more, my stomach lets out a loud, disgruntled growl.
The silence that follows is unbearable.
And it's freaking embarrassing...
Horace and Yue look at each other again, this time less wary and more... exasperated. Yue pinches the bridge of her nose.
"This is going to be a hassle, isn't it?" Yue mutters.
"Definitely," Horace agrees.
Then, after another silent exchange as they both sigh.
"Alright, Confucius, let's get you something to eat before you start reciting ancient wisdom on an empty stomach," Horace says dryly, already turning away.
I stare blankly. "Who in the name of time is Confucius? What's with humans and their poor naming skills?! Seriously though, I got called Oogway last time!"
Yue pats my shoulder with an amused shake of his head. "Oh, you poor, poor man." Okay... Why is she looking at me like I'm the most unfortunate soul to ever exist? That kinda hurts...
well who cares?!
For the first time since arriving in this strange world, I feel something close to relief. A big, dumb grin slowly forms on my lips.
Perhaps I am not completely doomed after all,
Horace and Yue... You are my savior!