File 4

Date: September 1st, 808 E.C. 

Time: 14:00

Location: Twilight University of Magic Dorms (District 17) 

Ding. Ding. 

My phone chimes in my pocket. There were two messages. 

The first was from Ian. 

Ian (Nice Guide Buddy): I'm in the lobby right now. 

Typing away, I immediately replied back. 

Me: OK! I'll be down in a couple of minutes. This is a bit sudden...is it ok if my floormates comes along with us? 

A speech bubble appeared on my screen. 

Ian (Nice Guide Buddy): Sure! I don't mind at all. 

Me: G8! I'll see ya soon. 

Ian (Nice Guide Buddy): K, see you.

Ian, being the kind of guy he was, allowed Cam to come along with us. We took the elevator down to the lobby where Ian was leaning against the reception desk. Seeing us emerge from the elevator, Ian smiled then waved at us. 

"Hey, Kris!" He greeted as Cam and I approached us. When he saw Cam right next to me, his face brightened up immediately. "I see you brought your floormate along. If I recall, you're Camillia Rowe the niece of Mayor Rowe." 

A cheeky grin formed on Cam's face. 

"Wow! So you do remember!"

Ian couldn't help but chuckle. 

"How could I not remember," He shrugged. "We shared many of the same classes together back in secondary school." 

God, I felt like a third wheel. 

"Anyhow, should we get going?" 

"Well, you are the Guide. Lead the way" I said. 

"Alrighty, we've got so much to do and so little time to do it. Let's go!" 

The first place Ian took us was a fountain in District 17. It was an angel carved from a block of pure marble excavated from the surrounding mountains. Its long wings stretching high and mighty above the fountain. A harp was carved in one of its arms while a stave was carved in the other. Once could not see its face as it was clad in a helmet but its body was covered in a long flowing toga that went down to where the water spewed out from the pipes. Everyone knows who that angel was.

Sariali. 

>>>

Sariali was claimed to be the first human to become an angel. Due to his gallant efforts during the first war, he was rewarded by the heavens to become an angel. It's a myth from the first civilizations, but no one has actually seen an angel since then. Some people think they don't really exist. Others believed that since the world has been relatively peaceful since then, there was no need for the gods nor the angels in intervening in worldly affairs. Monster and Demon invasions have amounted to nothing. The wars were over. Humanity was rapidly progressing in magic and science. The world was peaceful.

I honestly don't care too much about these myths. Even though there are engravings on various temple walls that say otherwise, unless I see it with my own eyes, then I will believe it. 

>>>

Anyway, Ian and Cam were giving me a nice history lesson on the fountain. Apparently, the fountain was Twilight City's old city center from when it was first constructed back a few centuries ago before modern technology took over and created the towering financial district that exists today. Since its construction was completed on May 17th, it was given the name District 17. But this explanation was brief. What really caught my interest was Twilight University's history. Thanks to my lack of studying and ignorance of the city, Ian and Cam decided to fill me in on the details. Although it was mostly Ian since Cam forgot half of what she was going to say.  

Twilight University used to be the old financial center which was then converted into a university a century ago. Since it used to be the financial center, there would often be attacks to prevent business from getting done: stock trading, news, and other important transactions. As a result, for escaping purposes, there is a network of tunnels that lead out to various parts of the city built underneath the buildings. But in recent years, a majority of these tunnels have been blocked off due to the increasing number of barrier tremors caused by high ranking monsters passing through the mountain range. Most of the ones remaining are inaccessible by the public as they lead to some private research labs at the university, however, due to some nifty infrastructure changes in the city, a few of the passageways have been opened up that serve as short cuts to other parts of the district. And that was where our next destination was. 

The nearest tunnel was in the park. 

The way one could access it was to walk through the large hole in the trunk of this Orkaw tree sitting on the corner of the park. 

"Okay!" Cam smiled rubbing her hands together as we stood right in front of the entranceway of the Orkaw tree. Its multi-colored leaves swaying in the warm breeze. Some of them, falling off the long branches onto the ground where they glowed a soft light in their respective colors. "Get ready to be amazed!"  

Cam took me by the wrist.

"Wait...Cam!" 

I was nowhere near mentally prepared for this. 

With the immense strength contained in her frail-looking arms, she tugged me along with her through the hole in the trees. Ian, behind me, having the time of the life watching me getting pulled by a girl ten centimeter shorter than myself.

I felt the heels of my boots hit the edges of the wooden stairs descending into the darkness. The gravel scattered on them rolling under my soles like marbles. The light from the entranceway was getting smaller and smaller the more we descended as if a giant beast was swallowing us whole. Then, once I could no longer see any light, I could feel that I was not being dragged anymore. 

"Are we at the bottom?" I asked. 

Ian nodded. 

"Yes, we are."

"Thank god!" I screamed like a complete idiot. 

Ian walks in front of Cam and me, his footsteps making no noise whatsoever. That was really strange.

"Ah, here comes the best part."  He winked taking one more step. 

Flash.

One light flickered on. 

One more step

Flash. 

Then another light. 

Cam then ran ahead. The lights turning on one by one the farther she went into the tunnel. 

"Come on, what are you waiting for? We don't got all day here!" 

"Coming!" I replied running over to her. 

More lights came on illuminating the tunnel. On the walls, I saw paintings of the history of the tunnels. People running through here with torches to escape the clutches of angry mobs. The flames of tunnels burning down, some caving in, the rubble trapping people inside them. Next to some of the intricate tunnel murals, there were plaques with the names of people who passed away. All of them were from the last century. I couldn't help but place my hand on the wall and give my condolences to those poor souls. 

I glance up at the lights, they weren't your typical light fixtures. Instead, each light was shaped like a mushroom that glowed a different colored hue. I wanted to reach out and touch it before a hand wrapped around my wrist stopping me from doing so. 

"I wouldn't recommend touching those. Don't be fooled by those mushrooms' appearance. They're Seven Color Poison Mushrooms. They're not deadly but if you touch one of them, you could end up paralyzed for a month." He explained with a stern look on his face. 

"My apologies," I said retracting my hand away from them. 

"Okay, now should we continue our tour?" He smiled, the gentle expression I was familiar with returned back to his face. 

I wasn't exactly sure how long we were in the tunnel for but it seemed like an eternity. Not saying it was a bad thing but it sure felt like it. Well, at least I got to marvel at the beautiful murals painted on the tunnels. At first, I thought it was illegal because this kind of thing would be labeled as vandalism but Cam told me that the government hires artists to paint on the walls here to preserve the city's history. That's why most art that is seen in the city just in general is not considered vandalism. Plus, it helps the artists make a living. 

When we emerged from the other side of the tunnel, we appeared right in the middle of a bustling market. Vans were parked along the edge of the sidewalk where people were unloading them to set up their stalls for the night. The colorful tents erected made the plain brick and stone streets become lively. According to Ian, we had been walking under the tunnels for about two hours and where we are now was District 14, a few kilometers away from where we started. It was already five o'clock and the sun was beginning to set. That's when I came to the realization that I haven't had anything to eat all day. 

Growl~ 

My stomach grumbled with the desire for sustenance. I could feel my nonexistent stomach muscles cramping underneath my one-fat layer of flub. Hey, maybe I can lose some weight! Just a side note, do not ever try this. It's not good for your health. 

GROWL~ 

What the f*** was that?! 

I turn around to find Cam rubbing her tummy. 

"Hehe...I haven't eaten anything either."  

"Alright..." Ian sighed pointing down the street. "We're lucky there are some stalls nearby. We can grab something there."

Cam jumped with excitement. 

"Oh yay! Hey, Kris, you should try the boar meat skewers with carrot cake (A/N: When we refer to carrot cake were are actually talking about fried carrot cake. It's a savory dish that popular in Singapore, not the sweet carrot cake you're thinking of)? They're a specialty here! Oh, we should also get the risotto too!" 

"Are you sure your stomach is as big as your eyes?" I asked nudging her arm. 

"Positive!" She replied with confidence. 

The blue sky had faded into a bright orange. It became dark enough that the lamps lining the streets could be turned on. The magic stone in them humming a gentle song as the light particles swirled around in them like a small vortex. 

Ian guided us to one of the stalls. He told me that they had really good boar skewers. He tells me that it's considered drinking food but since we're underage, we can only order the nonalcoholic drinks. He and Cam both recommended the mixed dragonberry refresher. It's was a fizzy drink made with the juice of three types of dragonberries. The berries were considered to be a luxury in Arista but in Twilight, there were as common as weeds. I've never actually had dragonberries before in any form so this was a first for me. I was a bit scared since dragonberries had a different effect on a person depending on what kind of magic they possess. 

Ian and Cam told me that the dragonberries used in the drink usually bring out a person's greatest memories and that it's something a person should experience once in their life. 

I took their word for it. 

After putting in our order, we found a place to sit. Ian paid for everything even though Cam and I offered to split the bill. He was extremely insistent of it so Cam and I gave up trying to convince him. Even though the night had just begun, there were a lot of people sitting right in front of the stalls chatting with friends and acquaintances, enjoying their food as well as the joyful atmosphere. As soon as we sat down, a waiter came over with our food and our drinks. 

"Owen!" Ian smiled waving at the waiter who’s name also happens to be Owen (Is Owen a common name here or something). Seriously, this guy knows everyone. "You're out working odd jobs again?" 

"Oh, hello Ian." He greeted in a shy voice. He looked gloomy. Dark bags under his lifeless eyes show signs of overwork. His dark green hair was greasy and stiff from his sweat, his white T-shirt also soaked with his glasses hanging from its collar. His ripped jeans were caked in dust while his shoes seemed to be worn out. "Three orders of boar skewers and dragonberry refreshers. We hope you enjoy."

"Thanks Owen." He said pulling out a couple of bills. "And a tip for you. Tell your aunt and uncle I said hi!" 

"I'll give them your condolences." He said placing his tray under his arm. "Enjoy your meal."

Owen disappeared from our sight, running back and forth from the stall serving other customers. I wonder what exactly he does that puts him in that haggard state.

"He's a hardworking guy," Ian said looking at him with admiration and what seemed to be a hint of pity. I wasn't too sure if I was interpreting that right. 

"Sho hoove exactury ish hev (So who exactly is he)?" Cam asked pointing her half-eaten boar skewer at Ian. 

My curiosity was also perked. I wanted to know too. 

"The waiter?" 

I rolled my eyes. 

"Duh." 

"Okay," He replied taking a huge swig of his blue dragonberry refresher. "This will be a long one, you see Owen-" 

"Ahhhhhhhh-" A high pitched scream resounded in the area.

Thud. Crash. 

I haven't even gotten a chance to touch my food yet!

A table fell onto the ground. The sound of glass shattering could be heard. Everyone turned their eyes over to the direction that the noise was coming from. There was a burly man putting a woman in a chokehold. He pressed a knife against her neck but it wasn't enough to draw blood. The man's face was flushed red his center of balance was all over the place. He was clearly drunk.

"Listen here!" Roared pressing the knife even harder against the woman's neck. "You are all making fun of me. Every last one of you! Y'all mocking me as a failure! This bitch was laughing at me! Any you-" 

Ah, yup this man was clearly drunk.

"Don't look at him," Ian said placing his hand on my shoulder. "If you do, it'll only make things worse. As long as you don't meddle, he won't do anything to you. Just wait for the authorities to come." 

 "But-" I stuttered. That woman literally has a knife under her neck. 

"Kris, don't," Cam warned me, shaking her head side to side. "Look at his eyes." 

I take a quick glance over in the man's direction to find his eyes rapidly switching colors. Red. Blue. Red. Green.

"A Magician?! Shouldn't we be concerned if he started attacking other people?" 

"It's okay," Ian whispered to both of us. "Trust me, they should be here any min-" 

Clatter. 

There was another ear-piercing scream but this time, it didn't come from the woman. I glance back over to find the drunk man with his arm folded behind his back. The women placed in his chokehold was on the ground on her knees, the knife that was pressed up against her neck standing upright in the cement connecting the stones embedded in the road together. Locking the man's arm behind his back was a girl, with cherry colored hair pinned back by a large hair clip, no older than myself or Cam wearing a grey blazer with its sleeves rolled up to her elbows, a black inner shirt that revealed her cleavage (damn they were bigger than mine), and black leggings which outlined her athletic yet slender figure. On her ear was a small earpiece embedded with a blue magic stone which she pressed to deliver a message. 

"This is Officer Sierra Rowe, on duty, in District 14 Solaris Night Market. I have disarmed a Class Two Magician who is under the influence of alcohol, requesting backup immediately." 

Within seconds of sending that message, a swarm of police officers came over and handcuffed the drunk magician, carrying him away into a van where they would take him to the local station. 

"Thank you for your service!" One of the police officers saluted before leaving the scene. 

"Just doing my job." 

With the drunk Magician and the police officers gone from the vicinity, applauds arose from the people. I couldn't help but join along. She managed to disarm the Magician in the blink of an eye.

"Whoooooooo." Cheers erupted from the crowd. 

The female officer felt embarrass receiving so much attention around her. She turned her head left and right, her eyes locked with mine. Woah, there were flowers in them. So she must also be a Magician. Her stern expression turned into one of joy as she strod over in our direction.

"Cami! I didn't think you were here!" She smiled sweetly waving at Cam. 

"Cous, didn't think I'd see you here too." Cam greeted hugging the female officer. 

She peaked over Cam's shoulder, looking at Ian then myself.

"I see you're with some friends." 

"Kris, Ian this is my cousin Sierra Rowe! She a detective for Twilight's Investigation Bureau and the daughter of Mayor Rowe!" 

I took the initiative to greet her first. 

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Rowe. Cam has told us a lot about you." 

"Impressive, already a detective at such a young age." Ian added. 

"Thank you, there's no need for the formalities. We're all the same age. Just address me as you would with Cami."

"Aw, Sierra you're so nice!" Cam chuckled wrapping her arms around Sierra's neck. 

They seemed to be really close. 

"But Sierra aren't you on duty right now?" 

She peered over at Cam who was pouting. Her face looked like a duck's.

"Yeah, but they don't mind if I take a few minute break. We've been swamped lately with security for the festival. This is the tenth Magician we had to arrests in the last couple of days." 

"What's up with that?" Ian asked taking another swig of his dragonberry refresher.  

"Well, I guess people are getting into the festive spirit around here. Lots of drunkards around town if you understand what I mean. Plus, with the Phantom still out and about, the Bureau can't sit still. It seems he's out earlier and longer than before as the festival grows closer and I'm sure no one wants a violent vigilante like him out an about ruining the festive atmosphere. However, he’s been distributing money out to the lower class who have a favorable impression of him and I’m not sure what to think. " 

"It sure is rough for you guys." I commented. I couldn't help but feel bad for people like her, they had to work even during the largest festival of the year and not enjoy the festives. 

"Not exactly...it's just this year in particular." She said with a crestfallen look on her face, lacing her finger together. "Since, I'm one of the main detectives leading the investigation on Phatom, I feel a bit pressured to catch him before the festival since someone’s life could be at stake. Anyhow, you guys should stay in the dorms once you finish. Always be in a group more than two people. The city is no longer as safe as it used to be." 

"Thanks for the advice." Ian nodded finishing his refresher. "We'll keep that in mind." 

I agreed. Sightseeing and exploring the nightlife was one thing but safety was also important. In the city, no one knows what's going to happen to you if you walk out alone at night. 

"Thank you."

In the city of twilight, the sun fell down, the moon arose. The white orb that I used to think was made out of cheese glowed over the valley like a halo on an angel. The nights that seemed so calm, so serene, were just about to grow louder. The security I felt when I first entered the city was coming to an end. What was awaiting for me in the dark, I did not know. I was just a piece in this city's game. A piece who would eventually fall in place with the others in the puzzel. There were no pictures, no clues to guide me, but once I became a part of it, I would begin to see the entire picture. 

The picture that might just end up connecting the pieces of my fragmented memories together.