Me And My Pet Mico

"So, Mico, let's get out of here."

We aren't going to run their pockets?

"What? Who taught you such a vulgar thing?"

Uncle Ru. He said you and the gang did it a lot when you were kids.

"Slander!"

He also said you were the number one pocket runner back then, but you were so good at it people didn't even know about you. Someone else got the title instead. He said the ones who did know called you 'The Ghost Hand' out of respect and fear.

"Tch, listen, my dear Mico. Never believe anything that dude Ru says." Zarn sighed, then turned serious.

Who do you think you're lying to? Do I look like a kid to you?

"Yes. Not only do you look like a kid, you are one. You're barely five."

Hey, don't go shouting my age out loud like that, dude. The ladies might be listening.

"Yeah, right." Zarn ended the conversation by ruffling Mico's small mane.

He then turned his gaze to the scarred man struggling to get back on his feet.

"You..." Cough. Cough. The scarred man tried to speak but fell into a coughing fit.

"Are you trying to say something?" A voice whispered in his ear.

The scarred man froze. He turned his head ever so slightly and found Zarn perched casually on his right shoulder.

"Listen carefully," Zarn said, his voice light yet chilling. "You're lucky I am in a good mood today. Next time, I won't be so nice. Stay out of my way."

He hopped off the man's shoulder with ease, landing beside Mico. With that, the duo turned and left the alley, disappearing into the depths of the slums.

Later that day.

Zarn and Mico lounged at home, enjoying their well-earned rest. The small, dimly lit room they called home flickered with a soft glow from the holographic television.

Zarn grabbed a bag of popcorn from the groceries he had gotten on their way back.

His old but reliable couch sagged slightly under his weight as he leaned back, eyes half-lidded, engrossed in one of his regular show.

Mico lay curled up beside him, his small body radiating warmth. The soft hum of the TV and the occasional sound of munching filled the space as they enjoyed a mix of street snacks they'd picked up earlier.

"Come on, this show is so unrealistic," Zarn murmured, watching the main character on-screen lose all his aura while his crush was watching.

Mico flicked his tail. I am pretty sure that is how normal people are. You won't get it though.

"Are you accusing me of being abnormal?" Zarn asked lazily.

Mico didn't answer, but the smugness in his eyes said enough.

Zarn rolled his eyes and rested his head against Mico's soft fur. "You talk too much, you know that?"

Within moments, his eyes closed, and his breathing evened out.

Sleep claimed him.

The next morning.

Zarn's first sensation was heaviness. His limbs felt sluggish, his body leaden. He groaned, rubbing his face as he forced himself up.

Mico was already awake, watching him.

Back to feeling like crap again?

Zarn sighed. "Not sick today at least. Just… weak."

He clenched his fist, but there was no strength behind it. The power—the sharpness—he had felt yesterday was gone. Just like every other time.

He let his head drop against his bed, Mico had carried him over last night after he slept off. Staring at the ceiling, he muttered, "My body keeps messing with me."

"Maybe you should rest today. No running around—just take it easy." Mico concerned voice sounded out in his head. 

Zarn huffed. "Yeah, right."

Mico gave him a long stare. Come on, man. I'm serious. You are always running around whenever you experience weakness.

Zarn turned his head toward his companion. He could see Mico was truly worried.

"…Fine," Zarn muttered. "Guess we're having a lazy day."

"Yea, that is more like it. No moving when weak."

Mico curled up beside him again, and Zarn exhaled slowly. Even if his body was weak, he wasn't going to let it stop him forever. He always believed moving around and doing various simple activities would allow his body better adapt to it.

But for now… maybe just for today… he could take it easy.

A couple of hours later, Zarn sat up slowly, rubbing his temples. Mico stirred beside him, blinking up at him with a questioning look.

You okay?

"Yeah," Zarn muttered, flexing his fingers.

You should rest more. Mico suggested.

"Nah. Giving in for too long will only make it worse." He tried to push himself up from the bed, but staggered. Mico stood besides him and acted as a pillar, breaking his fall.

"Come on, let's go for a walk." Zarn said as he got his balance.

Mico hesitated but eventually hopped down, following Zarn out the door.

Despite his weakness, Zarn forced himself to walk normally. He wasn't about to let his body dictate his day. The two made their way through the slums, their pace steady but unhurried. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly baked bread from a distant stall.

As they neared the city's outskirts, the streets grew livelier. Vendors called out their wares, and the aroma of sizzling meat and spiced pastries filled the air. Zarn's stomach grumbled, and he exchanged a glance with Mico.

"Let's grab something to eat."

Despite living in the slums, Zarn wasn't poor. Those who knew him were well aware of this. In fact, his wealth served as a perfect disguise, keeping his natural summoner status hidden.

They knew for a fact that Zarn had not participated in the government summoning event when he came of age. It was only a few years later that they discovered he was now a summoner. 

Those around him just assumed he had bought a summoning scroll and the results, Mico.

The next hour was spent hopping from stall to stall, tasting everything from sweet honey cakes to skewered meat dripping with rich sauces. Zarn, though small, had an appetite that could rival Mico's.

As they neared the main city, the surroundings became cleaner, the buildings taller, and the air filled with the hum of sophisticated tech. The air around the few people around had also changed.

It was then that they crossed paths with a young boy about Zarn's height. Unlike Zarn, though, the boy actually was young—about twelve. He was flanked by two men, likely bodyguards. His bright eyes landed on Mico, widening in astonishment.

"Whoa!" The boy rushed forward, stopping just in front of them. "Is that your beast? I didn't think anyone around here had something this cool!"

"No, it's my neighbor's." Zarn lied with a straight face.