Pumping my wings, in an alternating pattern, I rose until I found an updraft of wind allowing me to glide. Now comfortably in the sky, the view of the mountains stretched out before me. As imposing and stoic as ever, they never seem to truly change. The charred circle was still visible from my height below me, even with the poor light from the overcast sky. But, the stone foundations were well hidden under the dirt and grasses on the more gentle slope than that of the surrounding mountains. There were a handful of foundations that were visible, but if someone did not already know they were there, they would probably assume they were just natural. As I stared at the area, I knew I was just lingering over the ruins, so I forced myself to turn and glide away. Using the minimal light from the obscured sun as a guide, I made my way south, leaving the ruins behind me.

Navigating through mountains is not the easiest with having to continuously change course to go around the towering snow capped peaks and the rocky cliffs creating unexpected cross winds. However, I have many years of experience with these mountains alone, so I can make my way through without trouble. Not even the biting wind chill affects me, even without clothes, now that the flame within me is burning bright once again. So, I could focus on keeping my heading, keeping a steady altitude, and also scan the areas I fly over for anything of interest. The stony slopes and valleys that I pass over are as I vaguely remember them and seems that there is no trace of anyone trying to occupy these mountains after me. With nothing of interest in my circuitous path, I made my way out of the high mountain ranges into the lowlands at the foot of the mountain range within a couple hours.

The scenery made a rather drastic change here. Sharp cliffs gave way to rolling hills and the sparse vegetation replaced by lush evergreen forests. It may be a rather beautiful example of nature against the backdrop of the setting sun behind the muted clouds, but what I need to find is some sign of civilization. And, at first glance it seemed there would be nothing here either until a speck in the distance caught my eye. It looked nothing more than a moving black dot against the grey clouds from far away, but it is also the only thing of interest. I decided to get a close look at it as there was nothing better to see.

It looked to be moving in a westward direction, perpendicular to mine, so it would be easy to intercept its' path. As I changed from my original heading I was certain that it was just a large Avem Grimm and the only help it would give if it was on its way to attack. But, it gave me a better chance to find something than just wandering aimlessly. Getting close to my target was simple enough. However, the closer I got the stranger it became.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of movement. It flew along without moving its' wings, or anything at all for that matter. Even I had to actively use my wings to keep this height, but it just kept going without losing any altitude. And if that was not unsettling, when I got close enough to see detail, it had a shape I have never seen let alone fly and it seemed to be made out of metal. It was, very clearly, unnatural. And, being unnatural could only mean that in the time I was gone, humans have attained a means of flight. Not only was it rather exciting to know that people could progress in such a time, but it was also the exact thing I was looking for. I followed at a distance as it was going surprisingly fast for such a thing and I had to actively try to keep up, but seeing this led me to worry. How long was I gone for exactly?


Shortly after I began following that flying craft, the sun had set. I had worried that being cast into the night would leave me stranded, not being able to follow my only lead. Especially tonight as any moonlight was obscured by the still looming clouds. But, my fears were unfounded as the humans had also created a way for the craft to be seen in darkness as well. Along the tips of its immobile wings and the ends of the sleek body were different colored lights, and the one on its' nose would even blink intermittently. Leaving the flying object clearly visible as it skimmed over the darkened forests. Its' speed was also unaffected by the night as I still had to put in an effort to not lose any distance behind it.

After another hour or two, I could tell it had lead me near the coast. The distinct smell of the salt in the air was a dead give away, even if I could not see the ocean during this moonless night. Not long after I was lead near the coast, something new had caught my eye. Cresting over the cliffs cut out by the ocean, was what looked like a sea of lights. It also did not escape my attention that the craft was heading straight for this new attraction. The unnatural light and the flight path I was on lead me to assume this was the destination of the craft and the civilization I was hoping for. I could not help but feel a slight spark of excitement at seeing all the humans had accomplished first hand.


These modern people certainly did not disappoint. Perched on top of the sea cliffs and covering the entire tip of this peninsula was an absolutely massive city. It had to stretch across almost 100 km of land and every centimeter was covered by some kind of human construct. And, to keep the Grimm creatures at by was, what I mistook for a cliff, a shear stone wall across the entire northern border. After the initial awe of the sight died down, I split off from my invaluable escort, near the edge of the city, to get a close look at this spectacle of human achievement.

I cannot even begin to image how they found a way to absolutely drench this entire place in light. The light illuminated the towering edifices that seemed to be covered in glass and polished metals, whose height could almost give me vertigo. Surrounded with dozens of flying crafts cruising between the towers like a hive of bees with an extra large mass near a large, paved field where they would land. Down to the cold, grey stone buildings sprawled out along the paved streets with intricate carvings showing the skills of its' creators. The creations were not even limited to land as there were ports encircling the city, filled with gigantic fleets of ships. Even the orderly paved streets, neatly separating the buildings, were lit up and covered with metal objects and life. And even in the night, the streets were alive with its' residents. There were more crafts that were made for the ground, speeding throughout the city in a highly organized manner. Along the edges, at the bases of the buildings, were multitudes of people milling around, absorbed in whatever business that kept them from sleep.

Circling overhead, making sure not to collide with anything else occupying the skies, I took notice of the number of large pictures scattered about and on the sides of various buildings. I did not pay attention to the images as much as the words. The lettering all seemed familiar and should have been legible, but they were arranged in very different patterns than anything I know. This was worrying as it would mean that the common language has changed while I was gone. There was one word that seemed to be on almost everything and was written as a name. So I would assume for now that it could be the name of the city; Atlas.

Finally having reached civilization, I would need to begin the task I set myself. But, with the drastic differences before me, I would have to go out of my way to learn what has changed in order to accomplish anything. And, there is no better way to acclimate oneself to a new culture than to jump into the middle of it and get first hand experience. Though, my lack of attire would be a hindrance to blending in. So, first task is to find an easy way to cover myself. Having been circling throughout the cities' skies for some time now, I have seen many places that sell clothing, but that is obviously out of the question. Near the far edge of the city, near the wall, was a promising place to get something with no repercussions.

The place was poorly lit compared to most places and surrounded by tall, metal fencing. It was a large plot of land covered with many mounds, like small hills of moguls. I gently landed on top of a larger mound, scaring off a few small birds, and began searching. These piles were made from all the rubbish that people had no need for anymore and dumped in one location, as the smell would attest to. I did find some scraps of clothing, however they were just that, they were horribly covered with filth and could not cover anything. But with a more thorough search, I found a decent sized, thin blanket that only had one hole and not too many stains. I gave it a quick shake then wrapped it around my shoulders and over my wings and it covered my body down to my ankles. And as a bonus, it did not smell too horrible either.

Just after I tested my new covering, a man clad in a bright yellow vest and helmet approached me looking rather angry, shouting, and waving his hand at me. I knew I had overstayed my welcome at this point. Throwing off the blanket and rolling it up in my arms quickly, I stretched my wings and got ready to take off. Tossing a quick glance at the man to see a look of utter bewilderment and awe on his face. Slightly amused by the change in his attitude, I took my leave with a jump and powerful beat of my wings, back into the night sky. Disguise in hand, I began searching for a secluded place to land, as to not cause another scene, amusing as it may be.