The Currents of Time Continue to Flow

Chapter 2

Karl quietly walked into his house. Sapnap rises much later than most in the town but Karl woke even earlier than usual to make sure he got the things he needed in time before the currents shifted just the right way.

He picked up the traveling bag from the couch where he left it before leaving. Tucking the journal in he wandered to the kitchen to pack food and health potions. Regen would be preferable but they had lent them to a neighbor who got injured a few days ago.

They were more expensive but they were easier on the body and allowed for less scaring and less of a shock for the body. 

Shuffling from upstairs made Karl freeze. He was sure he hadn't made enough noise to wake Sapnap but he might as well take the time to say goodbye before jumping. Placing the bag down and clasping it he went up the stairs to see Sapnap stumbling out of their room. He was still rubbing his eyes and wearing his nightclothes.

Karl walked over to him with a small smile and gave him a hug.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Sapnaps arms wound around his partner and gave a small hum to acknowledge the question.

"Leaving already?" His voice was rough and slurred.

"Yeah, I'm sorry but I gotta go soon." Karl chuckled and buried his head in Sapnaps chest.

"Something 'bout the winds right?" Karl tried hard to not laugh but a few quiet giggles escaped anyway.

"Yep. I'll see you soon. Before dinner at the latest. I promise." He pulled back out of their hug and felt colder already. "Just head back to bed. I already checked in with Phil."

Sapnap nodded sleepily and kissed his lover on the cheek before stumbling back into their room.

Karl always felt bad for lying to him but it was for his safety. Large acts of magic had to be registered with the Admins to happen legally and Karl was just plain lucky that he was visiting Sapnap when he jumped for the first time.

The town was so far away from any Admins for them to do anything about it even if they sensed it.

He headed back downstairs and grabbed the bag off the kitchen counter and turned around to descend the basement stairs. He found that the currents were tamer the further down he went and jumping from the basement made him less likely to become disoriented.

Taking a deep breath and opening his sight he watched carefully as the currents shifted and changed. He knew what they needed to look like and made sure that today was the day they would change the right way. Another deep breath and he stepped into the currents.

Across the town, a hooded figure felt a large amount of magic release. Knowing that nothing was authorized for today made him worried. This town had long been almost independent of any form of government. The threat of Admins and the abandonment of the town enough to keep them somewhat obedient.

The figure thought to himself that of course, the small unassuming town would have something going on under the facade. Almost every citizen of the town had some sort of past. Most of them being highly dangerous individuals wanted by the Greater Empire at one point.

Hell, multiple war criminals lived here along with hybrids long thought to be extinct. 

Huffing slightly he caught the gaze of the shop owner. The man was no exception. He was known for his ruthless ways and fierce fighting style. His large wings were the calling card of his legacy. The figure tried to come off as harmless but the owner wasn't buying it.

A young man wearing a beanie walked down the stairs and saw the figure standing awkwardly in the middle of the store. His smile changed from easy and natural to practiced.