The shopping mall loomed ahead like a beacon of modern design, its towering glass structure reflecting the city's vibrant hues. As they entered, Rose's eyes widened in amazement. The mall was massive—an entire ecosystem of commerce and entertainment. Shoppers of all kinds bustled through the aisles, from young children giggling and running to elderly couples walking hand in hand. Holographic advertisements flickered in the air, showcasing the latest fashion trends, galactic cuisines, and high-tech gadgets. The smell of freshly baked goods and exotic spices filled the air, making her stomach rumble slightly.
Rose's gaze was drawn to a young couple laughing together in the food court. For a fleeting moment, she felt a pang of longing—an echo of a life she could never return to.
Blaze, noticing her distraction, nudged her gently. "Let's head over there. I'm sure we'll find something you like. And your age... yeah, I remember—12 years old, right?"
Rose snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. "Yeah."
In the clothing section, the variety overwhelmed her. Racks of colorful outfits lined the store, holographic displays shifting to show different fashion styles witheach glance. Clothing racks floated effortlessly, presenting a mix of futuristic and classic designs. Dresses that shimmered with an internal glow, jackets that adjusted their temperature automatically, and accessories that displayed tiny floating patterns above their surfaces. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.
Blaze walked confidently to a saleswoman, a tall woman with neatly tied hair and a welcoming smile. "Can you show us some skirts and tops for a 12-year-old girl?"
The saleswoman nodded, swiping across her holo-pad. Instantly, racks of clothing materialized before them, filled with skirts and tops in a variety of colors, fabrics, and styles. "These are our latest designs, all made with premium C3 material."
Blaze smirked. "C3 material, huh?" He turned to Rose. "You know, this stuff is the best quality you can get."
Rose ran her fingers over the fabric, feeling the softness between her fingertips. It felt strangely familiar, like the clothes she used to wear on Earth. The texture, the weight—it was all the same. She expected something entirely different from an advanced civilization, but in the end, clothes were just... clothes.
After some time browsing, she finally picked out a few items: a light blue blazer that reminded her of the skies on Earth, a simple red top, and black leggings. They felt comforting, familiar in a way she desperately needed.
Blaze grinned. "Good choices. Try them on."
Rose stepped into the changing room, the doors sliding shut behind her with a quiet hiss. As she changed, she examined herself in the mirror, touching the blazer's fabric. "I'm still me," she whispered, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. "Even if everything else is different."
When she stepped outside, Blaze gave an approving nod. "Looking perfect. They suit you well."
Rose managed a small smile, the first genuine one in a while. She felt... normal, even if only for a moment.
After the shopping, they made their way to a nearby restaurant. The place was bustling with life, filled with the hum of conversations, the clinking of cutlery, and the occasional burst of laughter. The holographic menu hovered in front of them, displaying a dazzling array of dishes, many of which Rose had never heard of.
Blaze leaned back in his chair, watching Rose scan the menu curiously. "You'll find something you like, trust me."
Rose hesitated, still adjusting to everything around her. "I just… I'm not sure what to choose. Everything feels so strange, yet familiar."
Blaze smiled, handing her a menu. "Then why not try something new? That's what life's all about, right?"
Rose nodded, her thoughts still drifting to Anik and the life she lost, but for now, she let herself focus on the present. The city, the food, and Blaze's words—all of it was overwhelming, but a tiny part of her wanted to hold onto it, just for a little while.
The restaurant's atmosphere buzzed with energy—floating trays glided through the air, delivering dishes to eager patrons, and the faint hum of robotic servers filled the space. Rose sat across from Blaze, her eyes darting around as she observed the countless species that filled the restaurant. Some had exotic glowing eyes, others with metallic limbs, yet their mannerisms felt oddly human—laughter, conversation, and the universal comfort of sharing a meal.
Rose hesitated, scanning the holographic menu in front of her. The glowing text shifted with each touch, offering an endless array of unfamiliar dishes. Some images displayed steaming platters of multi-colored noodles, others intricate desserts that sparkled like tiny galaxies.
"I don't know what to choose," she murmured, biting her lip. "Everything looks... so different."
Blaze leaned back in his chair, watching her with an amused expression. "You're in luck, then. This place has a bit of everything, from Earth cuisine to the weirdest stuff from across the galaxy." He swiped his hand across the menu, pulling up a selection. "How about something familiar? Look—Earth-style pizza, burgers, even sushi."
Rose's face lit up momentarily at the sight of the familiar dishes, but a pang of sadness struck her chest. "Earth..." she whispered, the word tasting bittersweet on her tongue. She remembered the last meal she had with her family, the way they laughed and talked... now it was all gone.
Blaze's eyes flickered with momentary guilt, but he quickly masked it with his usual charm. "Come on, you've got to eat. Let's start with something simple—how about a burger?"
Rose nodded hesitantly. "Okay, a burger sounds good."
With a quick confirmation, Blaze tapped the floating menu, and within moments, a sleek, silver tray floated to their table. On it sat a neatly packaged burger with a translucent bun that glowed faintly and fries that emitted a subtle, savory aroma. Rose picked up the burger cautiously, eyeing it suspiciously before taking a small bite.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "It... it tastes just like an Earth burger!" she exclaimed, wiping her mouth.
Blaze chuckled. "Told you. Some things don't change, no matter where you are in the universe."
For a brief moment, Rose allowed herself to relax, savoring the meal and feeling a tiny sense of normalcy creeping back. Yet deep inside, the storm of emotions continued to swirl—grief, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of loss. She chewed slowly, her mind drifting to Anik once again. "Is he even alive? Did he survive?" The uncertainty gnawed at her, overshadowing the brief comfort the meal provided.
As they finished their food, Blaze stretched with a contented sigh. "Alright, now that you're fueled up, how about we do some more exploring?"
Rose wiped her hands and nodded, though her voice was quieter. "Yeah... I guess so."
Blaze stood, tossing a few credits onto the table. "Let's check out the market district. I need to pick up some supplies for my ship."
Walking through the busy streets again, Rose found herself drawn to the market's vibrant energy. Floating stalls lined the pathways, selling everything from shimmering fabrics to tiny mechanical pets that hovered around their owners like fireflies. Vendors called out in various languages, and holographic signs blinked enticing offers.
Rose's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. "I've never seen anything like this... it's beautiful."
Blaze smiled, watching her fascination. "Stick close. This place has some hidden treasures, but also a few... dangers."
As they walked, Blaze stopped at a small, dimly lit stall tucked away in the corner. The shopkeeper, an old humanoid with deep-set eyes and a cybernetic arm, greeted them with a toothy grin.
"Ah, Blaze, my old friend. What brings you here?"
Blaze smirked. "Just picking up a few essentials. Got anything new?"
The shopkeeper's eyes flickered over to Rose, narrowing slightly as if recognizing something about her. "And who might this be?"
Rose shifted uncomfortably, stepping slightly behind Blaze. "I'm... Rose."
Blaze put a protective hand on her shoulder, giving the man a warning look. "She's with me. Just focus on business."
The shopkeeper shrugged, rummaging through a pile of odd gadgets before producing a small, glowing cube. "This... this might interest you. A personal security module—good for protecting your, uh... valuables."
Blaze eyed the device, then Rose, before shaking his head. "Not now. I'm looking for something else."
As they continued browsing, Rose whispered, "Who was that? He looked... strange."
Blaze chuckled. "Just an old trader. Don't worry about him. But... keep your guard up. Not everyone here is as friendly as they seem."
Rose nodded, feeling a twinge of unease. She could feel the eyes of passersby lingering on her just a little too long. Something about this place, despite its beauty, felt off.
Meanwhile, Blaze's thoughts were running wild. "I need to be careful. The wrong people find out she's a Zynarid, and I could lose my chance to cash in..."
But for now, he kept his smile easy and his grip firm on Rose's hand as they moved deeper into the market, unaware of the lurking danger around them.
As Blaze and Rose weaved through the crowded market streets, Rose couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The dazzling lights and vibrant atmosphere failed to distract her from the occasional glances she caught from shadowy figures lurking in alleyways.
She tugged at Blaze's sleeve. "I feel like someone's watching us."
Blaze glanced around casually, his green eyes scanning the crowd with a calculated ease. "Relax, kid. You're new here, and new faces always attract attention. Just stick close."
Despite his reassurances, Blaze was on high alert. He knew too well that in a place like this, information traveled fast. Word of a rare Zynarid could already be spreading among the black market dealers and slavers.
They stopped by a floating stand selling exotic fruits, each glowing with bioluminescent colors. Rose stared at them in awe, reaching out to touch a soft, jelly-like orb that pulsed gently under her fingertips.
"Want to try one?" Blaze asked, smirking as he handed the vendor a few credits.
Rose hesitated before taking a cautious bite. The flavor exploded in her mouth—sweet, tangy, and unlike anything she'd ever tasted on Earth. For a moment, her worries faded, and she allowed herself a small smile. "It's... amazing."
Blaze laughed. "Told you, space isn't all bad."
But before they could continue, a voice whispered from behind them.
"Zynarid... so rare... so valuable..."
Rose froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She spun around, but the source of the voice had already vanished into the bustling crowd.
Blaze's face darkened. "Come on, time to move."
He grabbed Rose's hand firmly and led her away from the stall, weaving through the crowded marketplace with purpose. Rose struggled to keep up, feeling a new sense of fear creeping in.
"Blaze... who said that? What do they mean by valuable?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Blaze forced a grin, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Probably just some crazy street vendor trying to mess with us. Don't worry about it."
But Rose wasn't convinced.
Blaze led Rose through a narrow, dimly lit alleyway away from the crowded market. Neon signs flickered against the metallic walls, casting eerie shadows as they passed.
"Where are we going?" Rose asked nervously.
"Somewhere safe," Blaze replied shortly.
They entered a rundown building where a heavy door slid open with a mechanical hiss. Inside, a cramped room filled with monitors and data consoles greeted them. A figure sat hunched over the desk, their face hidden behind a dark visor and an array of mechanical implants.
"Blaze... didn't expect to see you back so soon," the figure rasped without turning.
Blaze leaned casually against the wall. "Got something interesting this time, and I need some info."
The figure's visor shifted slightly toward Rose, scanning her from head to toe. Rose shivered under the scrutiny, stepping back slightly.
"Zynarid... fascinating," the broker mused. "You know how much she's worth, Blaze?"
Rose's eyes widened in horror, and she shot Blaze a betrayed look. "What does he mean? Blaze... what's going on?"
Blaze sighed and knelt down beside Rose. "Look, kid. There are some people out here who'd pay a fortune for someone like you. But I'm not gonna let that happen, alright? I'm just trying to keep you safe."
Rose swallowed hard, tears welling up in her eyes. "Safe? Or are you just waiting to sell me when you get the right price?"
Blaze looked hurt for a split second but masked it quickly. "I'm not like those people, Rose. Trust me, I've got your back."
The broker chuckled darkly. "You better, Blaze. Word's spreading fast. You won't be the only one looking out for her."
Blaze stood up, his jaw tightening. "Just give me the information I need."
As they left the shady hideout, Rose felt an overwhelming sense of fear and doubt. Her mind replayed Blaze's words, trying to decide if she could truly trust him.
Blaze walked ahead, lost in thought. He had to figure out a plan—and fast. The galaxy wasn't a kind place, and keeping Rose safe was going to be harder than he thought.
Blaze led Rose through the winding back alleys of the floating city, his grip on her hand firm but not forceful. Rose's mind raced with fear and uncertainty. She couldn't shake the broker's words from earlier—"You won't be the only one looking out for her."
"Blaze," she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. "Are we in danger?"
Blaze didn't look back, his expression tense. "Not yet. But we will be if we don't leave soon."
Rose bit her lip. She wanted to trust him—he had saved her, after all—but the nagging doubt in her heart wouldn't let her rest. "Where are we going now?"
Blaze turned a corner, guiding her into a quieter section of the city, away from the bustling crowds. "I have a safe house not far from here. We'll lay low until I figure things out."
"Figure things out?" Rose echoed, her eyes narrowing. "You mean, until you decide what to do with me?"
Blaze stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, his green eyes searching hers. "Look, I know you don't trust me. And after what you've been through, I don't blame you. But trust me when I say this—if I wanted to sell you, I would've done it already."
Rose crossed her arms, frowning. "Then why are you helping me?"
Blaze hesitated, then sighed. "Because I know what it's like to be lost... alone. And I can't let that happen to you."
Rose's expression softened, but before she could reply, a sudden noise cut through the air—mechanical footsteps clanking against the ground behind them. Blaze's eyes widened.
"We need to move. Now!"
As the cyberbike engines roared in the distance, Blaze tightened his grip on Rose's wrist, his heart pounding with urgency. The neon-lit streets blurred past them, but the two riders pursuing them were relentless. Blaze's voice was firm but reassuring.
"Hold my hand tightly, things are gonna heat up," he said, glancing back at her with determination. Rose's blue eyes flickered with uncertainty, but she nodded, trusting him for now.
Before they could make another turn, one of the bikers leaped off his vehicle with swift precision, landing a few feet ahead of them. Blaze came to a sudden halt, his jaw tightening in frustration.
The figure straightened, stepping forward. "Blaze," the man spoke, his voice dripping with familiarity. "You don't have time to deal with me, huh? Not now?"
Blaze clenched his fists. "Rex... I don't have time for this."
Rex's smirk widened as the second biker, Falcon, dismounted and strode up beside him. The cold glint in his eyes sent a shiver down Rose's spine.
"Yeah, Blaze," Falcon chimed in, his voice carrying a sleazy undertone. "You told us about a Zynarid. You know they're rare. Black market bidders would pay billions for one."
Rose tensed. The way their eyes settled on her made her stomach churn. Rex's gaze fell on her, and their eyes met for a fleeting moment. His dark eyes examined her with a hungry curiosity, and Rose instinctively took a step back.
"Ah," Rex muttered, a wicked grin forming. "A Zynarid, huh? Hand her over, Blaze."
Blaze shifted slightly, keeping himself between Rose and the men. His voice was strained but steady. "Not this one. I'll give you something more valuable than a Zynarid."
Falcon laughed, shaking his head. "Stop joking, Blaze. You told me yourself about the Zynarid, and now she's standing right behind you."
Blaze's mind raced, calculating an escape plan. He knew Rex and Falcon weren't bluffing. They were deep in the black market underworld, their greed boundless. The weight of Rose's trembling fingers in his palm made his chest tighten—he couldn't let them take her.
Rex took a step closer, placing a hand on Blaze's shoulder, his voice soft but laced with menace. "You're like a brother to me, Blaze. You've given us so many rare items over the years. Thanks to you, Falcon and I are swimming in wealth."
Falcon chuckled, his drippy accent making Rose's skin crawl. "Yeah, don't worry, Blaze. We'll split the profit three ways, just like old times."
Rose felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling. Her fingers slowly slipped from Blaze's grip as doubt gnawed at her. Had Blaze betrayed her? Had he led her straight into a trap?
Rex's next words shattered any remaining illusion of safety. "This Zynarid is female… You know what that means, Blaze. We could sell her as a high-end adult object. Just imagine the fortune."
Falcon's eyes darkened with a sick pleasure. "Yeah, Blaze. Just think how rich we'll be. We can enjoy her before selling, too."
Blaze's expression darkened, his muscles tensing as a cold fury simmered beneath his skin. His heart ached when he felt Rose's hand slip away from his, and when he glanced back, he saw the fear in her wide, shimmering eyes. She thinks I betrayed her.
Blaze's grip on Rose tightened for a brief moment before he sighed and turned back to Rex and Falcon, his voice calm but laced with a dangerous edge.
"Sorry, friends. Not now."
As he spoke, he reached behind him, drawing a long sword from its sheath. The blade gleamed with a sinister red aura, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Rex and Falcon's confident smirks faded instantly, their eyes widening in fear. Falcon took a nervous step back, swallowing hard. "Blaze… you're really gonna do this?"
Rex's face twisted in disbelief, but deep inside, fear flickered in his eyes. "We're your friends, man. We've done so much together."
Blaze remained silent, his eyes locked onto them with a cold intensity.
Then, from the depths of the blade, a sinister voice slithered into the air, dripping with venomous hunger.
"Blaze... let me tear them apart." The voice of Venom Devolos, the dragon spirit within the sword, echoed through the night. The dark, otherworldly presence made the air around them heavy.
"You haven't fed me a single drop of blood for days. Those two... I will tear and devour them. Their blood... I like it," Devolos hissed, the blade vibrating in Blaze's grip, craving violence.
Blaze closed his eyes for a second, then whispered, "Okay, Devolos. As you wish."
In an instant—before Rose could even comprehend what was happening—Blaze vanished from sight.
A single gust of wind brushed past her, and then... a sickening schlick echoed through the alley.
Her eyes widened in horror.
Before her, Rex and Falcon stood frozen for a brief moment, shock etched into their faces. Their mouths opened as if to speak, but no words came out. Then, with a grotesque squelching sound, their bodies split apart in a crimson spray. Torn in two—flesh, bone, and organs spilling onto the cold ground in wet, messy heaps.
To be continue.....