Sub Story: NuneKai
(August 21, 2026)
NuneKai jogged over the bridge, taking in the sound of water lapping against the shore as a boat went past on the river, the screech of gulls as they fought over a discarded hamburger bun, and the scent of fresh cut grass.
It was a beautiful day. The perfect day to be out and about, getting some exercise, cleaning one's mind.
A necessary clearing after the week they'd had. They couldn't believe their partner had been fired. All the extra work would now land on them with no hike in salary, and they needed to decide if they were going to stick with it.
But jobs were tough to find these days, and their cats needed food.
A dark shape cut across the path, and NuneKai stumbled to a halt to avoid it. But when they looked around, it was gone.
No, not gone. Huddled next to a garbage can. Something... oozing?
"What the..."
The figure turned towards them and lunged.