Star just stood there—his mind struggling to process the world of light he'd been forbidden from seeing his entire life.
He was afraid—yes.
But somewhere, buried beneath the fear—
—was a flicker of something else.
Wonder.
Star's legs felt like they were made of stone as he stood at the edge of the bustling town. His hooded cloak did little to shield him from the overwhelming life surrounding him.
Children laughed and ran past him, merchants yelled out prices, and friends chatted—some arguing, some giggling. The air smelled like fresh bread, spices, and something sweet Aliana called "candy."
It was too much.
Star's free hand clutched the chain of the handcuff tightly, his knuckles turning pale against his dark skin. His other hand, still bound to Aliana's, trembled faintly.
"Aliana..." he whispered, his voice nearly lost in the crowd's noise. "There... are too many."
Aliana squeezed his wrist gently—grounding him.
"It's okay," she said softly. "No one's going to hurt you. They're just people."
Star's gaze darted from face to face.
He didn't see monsters.
But he didn't see friends either.
Just emotions.
So many emotions.
Smiles. Frowns. Scowls. Laughter.
He didn't understand them—it was chaotic, unpredictable.
"How... do you know?" Star muttered, his voice hollow. "Master said never to trust people with emotions. They lie. They betray."
Aliana tugged gently on the chain between them, pulling him a bit closer.
"Not everyone lies, Star," she said softly. "And not everyone betrays."
Star didn't respond—his face blank again—but his breathing was shallow.
He was scared.
But then—
A little girl, probably no older than five, noticed him.
She had curly brown hair tied into twin pigtails, a bright red dress, and a lollipop in her hand.
She tilted her head, staring at Star's dark hood and the handcuff chaining him to Aliana.
"Are you a prisoner?" she asked, pointing at the handcuff.
Star blinked—unsure what to say.
He opened his mouth but... nothing came out.
He'd never talked to anyone but his master and his "friends" under his spell.
He didn't know how to talk to someone... normal.
Aliana chuckled softly, crouching down to the girl's level.
"No, we're just playing a game," she said, smiling gently. "We're tied together so we don't get lost."
The girl giggled.
"That's a funny game!"
She waved her lollipop at Star.
"Do you want a lick?"
Star froze.
The girl... was offering him something?
No spell. No order.
Just... offering.
"I..." Star's voice cracked. "I don't... understand."
Aliana smiled softly.
"She's being kind, Star."
The girl tilted her head again.
"You talk weird."
Aliana laughed, ruffling the girl's hair.
"He's just shy," she said.
The girl grinned, then ran back to her mother.
Star was stunned.
"Kindness is... confusing. Why give something if you get nothing?" he wondered yet again.
"She... didn't try to hurt me," he muttered.
"Of course not," Aliana said softly. "That's what I'm trying to show you, Star. Not everyone is like your master."
Star's mind was spinning.
It was so much to process—but there was no time.
They had a mission.
"We... need to find 9 friends," Star said, his voice quiet but steady. "Before Master returns."
Aliana nodded.
"Yes—but we're finding real friends," she reminded him. "People who will choose to stand by you. No magic. No mind control."
Star didn't respond—but there was a faint flicker of hope in his eyes.