Traverse The Fog

"Don't you see?" Slowly, weakly, Cyrus curled into a ball. "I'm training..."

Blurry-eyed, Cyrus could barely make out the woman standing before her. Today, Dílis hadn't donned her Wayfarer's uniform but a simple, elegant white blouse and black skirt—a stark difference from the woman who carried three firearms and explored monster-infested sites.

"It looked more like you asked to be punished." She shook her head, ponytail swaying. "Here, take this potion."

To Cyrus' surprise, she revealed a small, empty leather pouch underneath her coat. And as if performing a magic trick, she pulled a health vial that reached beyond the pouch's dimensions. Once he had downed the drink, Cyrus felt the agonizing pain slowly dissipate enough for him to sit up.

" Huh. Thanks," he muttered, gaze transfixed on the leather pouch. "Is that a spatial pouch? Is there somewhere I could buy one?"

Dílis shook her head. "Sorry, Cyrus. But spatial pouches are extremely rare. It's because they require a mage with the spatial domain to create them." She hid her pouch in her coat. "The one I have is a gift from my father, obtained from one of his many explorations."

So much for an easy and convenient way to store his stuff.

"Oh well." Cyrus stood up and gathered himself, then glaring at the bear, which was lazily watching the two. "I told you to punch me lightly... Did I say something to aggravate you or something? Did I hurt you in a past life?"

The moss-covered bear quivered. Its adorable appearance was enough to convince Dílis that Cyrus was in the wrong. So, she hugged it in a warm embrace.

"Don't be mad at Yogi," she whispered, hugging it tighter. "He's just following your orders."

As if on cue, the bear affectionately rubbed its head against her face, eliciting a giggle from the young woman.

Cyrus scoffed. "You've fallen for its tricks." He accusingly pointed at Yogi. "He knew what he was doing."

Meanwhile, a dark shadow passed over his face, recalling how it tossed him around like a soft chew toy. This bear had it out for him. Why and as if to confirm his accusations, a shadow of intelligence flashed in the bear's eyes. Not that it mattered. For it continued to play pitifully and softly rubbed its head against Dílis. In response, the latter kissed the bear's snout to soothe Yogi.

"Yogi isn't mischievous; he's a sweet and shy bear." She placed her hands on it, ruffling its ears.

Traitor. Cyrus rolled his eyes but soon relaxed.

"So, why are you up so early?" he asked, standing up.

"Ah. I almost forgot." Dílis kept affectionately rubbing Yogi's ear as it mewled in happiness. "Today, you'll gain a new Wayfarer companion."

"Do you mean Wayfarer teammates?" Cyrus furrowed his brows. "Isn't that way too early?"

He wasn't even an apprentice yet. Meanwhile, Dílis finally let go of Yogi's ears, watching the bear slump down into a resting position.

"That won't happen until Father deems you fit." She turned to him, a smile blooming on her lips. "Do you recall the canaries at head quarters?"

No... She couldn't mean... a pet? As if in confirmation, she pointed in the aviary's direction.

"Let's pick one out for you."

"Hold on." Cyrus waved a stop, expression incredulous. "Do I really need one? Really? Heh... Because I'm the last person who should watch over an animal. I'm being genuine here."

And frankly, he didn't want to have a pet to worry about and feed while out there; he preferred solitude.

"It's not just an animal," Dílis responded, voice somewhat terse. "It's your companion and protector." Seeing that Cyrus remained skeptical, she scoffed. "Fine, if it's that important to you. These canaries are especially sensitive to mana fluctuations. That means they could sense someone or something is casting glamours or techniques at a certain distance."

"Well," Cyrus began, offering a grand smile. "That changes things."

Dílis rolled her eyes. "Remember that it's a living creature. Give it some respect."

"Hey, I did." He shrugged. "I recall myself saying, 'I was the last person who should have a pet.' Already, that's caring for it."

Cyrus then gestured for her to lead, to which she acquiesced. Forward they went. And once they stood before the wooden dome that was the aviary, the two heard the songs of canaries and the fluttering of wings.

Quickly, Dílis revealed a key. "There are several domes set around the city for the little guys where they could be with their friends and family." —She turned to him as she unlocked the door— "And don't look down on these little guys. Wayfarers in Avalorn have had a fifty percent survival rate increase ever since Father introduced them."

Cyrus twitched his lips. What was the ratio of their survival in the first place? Still, he dared not ask to avoid further regrets.

Then, the door opened. The moment the two stepped inside, they were bombarded by myriad fluttering colors. Tens of little canaries filled the air before them; some bathed in the large pond and tree centered in the dome, while others sang songs of joy or played with their comrades.

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"Hey guy!" Dílis called out, waving her arms around.

They momentarily focused on the newcomers before resuming their playful activities on furniture and toys made of leaves from the trees planted inside.

"Now, where is she?" Dílis looked around, searching among the dizzying number of canaries flying about. "Tuuli!"

A moment later, a distinctive, excited chirping cut through the chorus. Flying among the others was a tiny green canary with pink-feathered tips that flew towards them.

"Tuuli!" Dílis bloomed into a smile at the sight. She cupped her hands, and the little bird landed inside, nestling into them before gently kissing its head.

"This is Tuuli," Dílis said, presenting it to Cyrus. "My best friend since the first day I became an initiate. Go on, pet her."

Fine. Alright. Inwardly sighing, Cyrus masked a smile. "Hey, Little guy." He moved a gentle finger towards Tuuli's head. "The name's Cyrus."

However, Tuuli puffed into a small ball of ruffled feathers the moment he drew close.

"Tuuli, he's a new partner!" Dílis cooed to the little green fluffball, yet it remained unmoved. She sighed, holding the canary dear to her chest and petting it. "Sorry. Tuuli gets nervous around new people."

"It's alright. I'm sure she'll come to like me in no time." Cyrus offered comforting words despite not believing them himself.

He then turned from her, taking in the sights of the canaries flittering about.

Dílis nodded, mirroring him. "Are you ready?"

Why not? If a canary could save his life from a sudden surprise attack or lead him to some treasure, then Cyrus was all for it.

"So, how do I tame one?" Cyrus spoke in an even tone, eyeing one canary whose color suited his taste.

"You don't 'tame one,'" she retorted, letting go of Tuuli to fly in the air. "They choose you. It's that serious."

Cyrus nearly rolled his eyes. How profound.

Unaware of his thoughts, Dílis opened her palm, onto which an orange canary landed, chirping happily. "These cuties are as smart as children." she petted its head. "And they can follow orders without issues when taught properly."

These canaries are as smart as children? Cyrus nearly frowned. And you people endanger their lives by sending them out there?

Still, he understood the logic. These pets saved lives, and undoubtedly, one would save him someday. However, these little creatures were essentially slaves without a name. Who knows how many have died already? Yet, in the end, Cyrus sighed in defeat. His pragmatic side had won over his emotions. He was getting a canary.

"So, what do I do?" He asked, swallowing his displeasure.

"Find one you can see yourself being friends with." Dílis held out a hand. "Then, hold your palm toward it. And if we find one, you'll take it home so the two of you can bond." She glanced at him, smiling. Trust me. I've never met a Wayfarer who's willingly given up their partner."

With that, Cyrus embarked on the quest to find his flying sensor companion, with Dílis remaining in tow. Yet these little guys sensed the situation at hand and soon flew away whenever he drew close.

Despite this, Cyrus wasn't too bothered. Maybe even happy without the added baggage. "I guess they don't like me."

"Let me try." Dílis closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her chest. A moment later, a green rune flickered out from between her fingers before shattering, radiating vitality.

Cyrus arched a brow as the energies struck him. He felt something—an intent. Was it a plea? It was. Moments later, her thoughts resonated in his mind.

"Come on, guys. Cyrus needs a buddy."

And to Cyrus' shock, the canaries actually reacted. Several flew toward her, perching themselves on her shoulders and head, jumping around and singing.

Incredible. Cyrus' gaze lingered on the open area where the rune once floated.

"Díl..er... Lilie, you can pass over messages?" Cyrus turned to her, gaze tinged with excitement. "Would you teach me?"

Dílis smiled. "It's just a little trick." She gently caught one of the canaries flitting around her and stroked its feathers. "Once you've become an adept, I'll teach you."

"Fair enough." Cyrus turned his attention to the canaries that climbed on her hair. "I guess I'll start."

He held out his palm to a red one. Yet the moment he drew close, it immediately flew away. It then happened again. And again. And again. Those who showed curiosity soon ignored him and played with their flock, while others bristled at the sight of him. Red, blue, green, purple, black—no matter the color, it was always the same response. This went on for ten minutes.

Meanwhile, Cyrus tried to remain calm. The first few reactions were understandable. But as time went on, they started to get on his nerves. Was he so unlikeable? And their light chirps soon grated his ears. After a rather plump yellow strained its fat body to hop away from him, Cyrus sighed in defeat, slumping his shoulders.

"Maybe I'm not cut out for one." He shrugged, acting calm. "I've never owned a pet before nor wanted one."

That was the truth. After all, Cyrus didn't want to waste his precious time on pets. He only had so much life.

Dílis rolled her eyes. "They're not pets but companions." She then fell into a short, silent contemplation. "But it is strange. I've never seen a Wayfarer not attract a single one. In fact, they usually attract two or three."

Her remark was like Yogi's punch from earlier.

"You should keep searching," Dílis continued, unaware of the cloud over his head. "I'll stay here to advocate for you."

Cyrus nodded. He then moved along the wall, tracing the wooden wall with a finger. But as he looked around, he slowly furrowed his brow.

"There's no open window or hatch." Cyrus tsked in distaste. "How are they supposed to live like this?"

To him, this place was akin to a prison cell. And he'd long to leave this place as soon as possible.

Maybe I should try another aviary. She did say that th—Cyrus abruptly stopped and looked upwards.

Up above, a lone canary perched itself beside a window. It was as small as the others. Yet, unlike those with colorful feathers that matched the shades of a rainbow, this one was as white as snow. And Cyrus stilled at the sight. The canary did not play or sing joyful songs, no. Instead, it remained to stare out through the window, transfixed at the greater world beyond.

The sight brought his heart to a tremble. How often had he stared outside windows growing up? It wanted to be free. Determination welling within the depths of his heart, Cyrus cupped a hand and directed his voice to it. "Hey."

Brought out of its daze, the snowball canary shivered at the noise. It then looked around for the cause and soon caught sight of the man with the hairy nest on his face. Said man held out an open palm to it, his voice soft.

"Let's get you out of here."