Oblivion's Edge: Voidborn

8 Strangers in Virelia

Inside the mini-ship, the sound of the engines filled the small cabin like a steady heartbeat. Aellion sat on the passenger seat, dripping wet, his hair still plastered against his forehead.

His chest rose and fell quickly, not only from the chase but from the fact that he was now sitting only a few feet away from the strangest girl he had ever seen in his life.

Her hair was blue, not dyed or glowing, but naturally blue, falling over her shoulders like strands of crystal water.

Strange markings traced along her arms and neck, faintly pulsing with light, like her very skin carried hidden energy. And her eyes bright, luminous blue, almost seemed to see through him.

Sira gripped the controls tightly, her jaw tense. She pushed the ship faster, weaving between jagged rocks and the scattered ruins of the outcast lands. After a long silence, she finally let out a breath and spoke.

"That was a close one," she said, shaking her head. "Those creatures... they don't usually come that close to the borders."

Her words were in English. At first, Aellion thought it was just his ears playing tricks, but no, he understood her perfectly. Every word. His chest tightened.

Mother was right.

He stared at her for a little too long. Her voice, her markings, her eyes, everything about her was both terrifying and fascinating. He didn't realize how obvious his staring had become until she turned her head and caught him.

Sira raised one eyebrow. "What are you staring at?"

Aellion blinked, heat rushing to his face. "N-nothing," he muttered, quickly looking away.

"Uh-huh," she said with a small smirk before focusing back on flying. After a moment, she asked, "What were you even doing out there? Alone? In the outcast lands of all places. Are you crazy or something?"

Aellion's mouth opened, but no words came out.

What was he supposed to say? That he'd come from a secret human colony hidden in the Edge? That he'd fallen through a Gateway and nearly died? That his entire existence was supposed to be impossible?

He struggled for a second, then said quietly, "I was... looking for something."

Sira gave him a long side glance, her eyes scanning his damp, messy clothes. The fabric looked nothing like the sleek designs she was used to seeing in the capital. He looked out of place, wild, almost primitive.

"And what are you, exactly?" she asked, tilting her head. "You don't look like any species I know."

Aellion stiffened. His heart raced.

She leaned in slightly, studying his face. "Wait. Don't tell me... Are you a Veylithian hybrid?"

He had no idea what that meant, but it sounded alien enough. He swallowed hard and forced a nod. "Yes."

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "Thought so. You look more human than alien, but I've heard Veylithian hybrids are like that."

Relief washed over him. At least she wasn't suspicious, yet.

She shifted one hand from the controls and extended it toward him. "My name's Sireya-Val. But my friends just call me Sira."

Aellion hesitated before answering. His real name could give him away, so he tried to think of something alien-sounding. Something that wouldn't make her suspicious.

"Aelly... Hal," he said finally, the name awkward on his tongue.

Sira tilted her head thoughtfully, then smiled. "Aelly-Hal. That's a rather nice name."

He exhaled slowly, tension leaving his shoulders. "Your name isn't so bad either."

She chuckled softly and turned her attention back to the view outside.

The journey didn't take long after that. Soon, the jagged ruins and red rivers of the outcast lands gave way to the faint glow of distant lights.

The glow grew brighter, until at last, the massive gates of Virelia rose into view.

Aellion's eyes widened. The city stretched high into the sky, walls shimmering with protective energy fields. Beyond the gates, towers pierced the clouds, glowing with silver, blue, and violet lights. Air-ships floated between them like fireflies. He had never seen anything like it in his life.

As they neared the gates, his heart sank. Guards stood outside, tall figures in dark armor, holding sleek weapons. Aellion's stomach twisted.

What if they check me? What if they find out I'm human?

The mini-ship slowed to a stop as one of the guards stepped forward. But before he could even speak, his eyes landed on Sira. His posture immediately straightened, and he lowered his weapon.

"Lady Sireya-Val," the guard said, bowing slightly.

"He's with me," Sira said simply, nodding toward Aellion.

The guard's gaze flicked toward him but didn't linger. He stepped aside without further question. "Welcome, Lady Sireya. You may pass."

The gates opened with a hum of energy, and the ship slid smoothly into the city.

Aellion's heart still raced, but relief spread through him.

They didn't ask. They didn't even look at me.

Inside, the city was even more breathtaking. Skyscrapers spiraled upward, glowing with shifting lights. Streets stretched wide, lined with floating platforms carrying people across different levels. Holograms shimmered above plazas, advertising markets, theaters, and strange alien technology.

Aellion stared, wide-eyed, his mouth slightly open.

Sira noticed, smirking. "Let me guess. First time in Virelia?"

He quickly shook his head, not wanting to look suspicious. "No, I've been here before. When I was a kid. It just... looks bigger now."

She laughed lightly. "I know what you mean. I came here as a kid too. Everything feels different when you're older."

She guided the ship into a wide landing platform that looked like a glowing parking lot. As the ship settled, she turned to him. "This is where we part ways. I'm meeting up with my friends. We've got big plans."

Aellion nodded, though a strange disappointment tugged at him. "Thanks for saving me out there."

"No problem," she said with a grin. Then she stepped out, her hair catching the city lights as she walked away.

Sira didn't have to walk far before she spotted them.

Threi was leaning against a wall, typing furiously on her datapad. Luma waved excitedly the moment she saw Sira, her metallic-blonde hair sparkling under the lights. Caivox stood with arms crossed, his storm-grey eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk.

"Took you long enough," Caivox said sharply as Sira approached. "Where were you?"

Sira sighed. "Outcast lands. It's a long story but I found someone out there."

Caivox's eyes narrowed. "You what?"

"He was being chased by humanoid creatures," she explained. "I couldn't just leave him."

"You brought a stranger with you?" Caivox snapped. "Do you even know who he is? He could be dangerous."

Luma stepped in quickly, raising her hands. "Relax, Caiv. She's fine. That's what matters."

Threi smirked without looking up. "Besides, if he's dangerous, I'll know. I can dig up his history with one tap."

Caivox scowled but said nothing more.

Sira rolled her eyes and changed the subject. "Anyway, I'm starving. I'm going to grab something to eat. I'll meet up with you all at the hotel."

"I'll come with you," Caivox said instantly.

But Luma and Threi shared a mischievous glance.

"Overprotective much?" Luma teased.

"Yeah," Threi added with a grin. "You gonna follow her into the bathroom too?"

Caivox glared at both of them, then sighed. "I'm not overp.... Fine. Go."

Sira laughed and walked off, shaking her head.

- Info: There are over 20 alien species in the world from Mirethians to Thalorans, which is why there are different alien hybrids.

Meanwhile, Aellion wandered the streets of Virelia with no idea where to go. The stares didn't bother him much, though he noticed them, people looking at his soaked, torn clothes as if he were a beggar. But his eyes were too busy taking in everything.

A fountain in the middle of a plaza shot glowing streams of water into the air, forming shapes of animals he'd never seen. Shops displayed alien fabrics, glowing dresses that seemed alive. Street performers played instruments that made sounds unlike anything in the Edge, deep vibrations that stirred his chest.

He was so caught up in it all that he didn't notice his stomach growling until it was too loud to ignore. Hunger twisted inside him, sharp and painful.

He followed his nose to a busy building that seemed half-restaurant, half-bar. Voices and laughter spilled out from inside.

Stepping in, he froze. The place was crowded, filled with aliens of all shapes and sizes. Glowing eyes, scaled skin, metallic implants. He forced himself forward, walking stiffly toward the counter.

A menu glowed above, filled with symbols he didn't understand. The words might as well have been another language. When the waiter asked what he wanted, he just said, "Any food."

Minutes later, a steaming plate was set in front of him. The food was strange, green and purple, with a smell that made his stomach twist. But he was too hungry to care. He ate quickly, forcing it down. The water that came with it was clean and familiar, and he gulped it gratefully.

When he was done, he stood to leave.

But a voice stopped him.

"You haven't paid," the waiter said firmly.

Aellion blinked. "Paid?"

"Yes," she said, crossing her arms. "In Thalon credits. Currency? Don't tell me you don't have any."

Before he could reply, shadows moved across the floor. Two broad-shouldered men stepped closer, their eyes narrowing.

One of them cracked his knuckles. "Is this guy giving you trouble?"

The waiter nodded toward Aellion. "He ate and tried to leave without paying."

The men turned fully toward him, their faces hard.

Aellion's throat went dry.

He had no money. No Thalon credits. Nothing.

And now, trouble had found him.

...