Chapter Text
New friendships can be hard. You can be scared, doubtful and uncertain that it can last; But if the connection is strong, it can stand against the hardest challenges. This story tells of the time two beings came together and forged a friendship that would change both of their lives forever.
The sun was high in the sky and a gentle breeze wound throughout the city streets. It was a nice day in Robin's book and hopefully it would stay that way. He was walking about the city plaza, taking in the sights of the city. It had only been two months since he'd arrived in the city and while he'd gotten used to most of the sights, it still didn't feel like home or a place of comfort. That good feeling he'd had was still present but it didn't give him any directions. And his mothers words 'open your heart to others' didn't give him any clues either. For the bigger picture, he was stuck. But for current plans, he had something to attend to.
Making his way to the fountain at the center of the plaza, Robin stopped by it and put down his bag. Pulling out a paper bowl, he placed it by his feet then put on some fireproof gloves he'd 'borrowed'. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out three juggling balls and took a deep breath. Time to begin his act. Throwing the balls up into the air, he began to juggle them. During his time in Avant City, he'd made many attempts to gain; a lot of the time ended with him stealing food and wiping the memories of anyone who saw. It was exhausting him to use that spell so often so he resorted to another method.
Soon enough, people started to gather around the young wizard to marvel at his skills. Robin couldn't help but smirk to himself; Looked like all those failed practices paid off. Now Robin did say he didn't like using the memory spell too often, but that didn't mean he couldn't use another spell. Discreetly using his hands to use magic, he lit the juggling balls on fire and continued his act. That got a reaction from the crowd. Deciding he'd likely collected enough, Robin let the juggling balls fall into his palm and did a small bow which gained him an applause. Dousing the balls, putting them back in his back, losing the gloves and collecting the wooden bowl, Robin made his way away from the crowd of people and over to an abandoned alleyway.
Looking around to make sure no-one was watching, Robin lowered his voice to a whisper. "The coast is clear."
Al, his trusty companion, poked his head out from the young wizard's scarf and looked up at him.
"Did you get anything? Robin asked.
Al nodded and coughed up a few coins into the wooden bowl Robin was holding. The young wizard glanced down and sighed in disappointment.
"Looks like we got around four dollars," he stated, taking the money out and stuffing it in his pocket.
"That's not so bad, we can get a good sandwich or something," Al stated, giving him a small smile.
Robin returned with a small smile as he put the bowl in his bag but ultimately sighed.
"Hopefully it will at last at least until tomorrow," Robin muttered, standing up and shifting the bag on his shoulders.
Al slithered back into Robin's scarf and the young wizard turned around.
As soon as he turned around, Robin almost jumped out of his skin when he saw an old lady standing a few feet away from him. The lady was slightly taller than him and had greying hair tied up in a bun; There was also some small streaks of orange coursing through their hair. Their skin was pale and their eyes were a lime green which matched the green shawl she was wearing; In addition to that, she wore a pine green long sleeved top, dusty brown long skirt and a pair of dark brown flats.
"Holy- You scared me!" Robin exclaimed.
The old lady smiled innocently. "Sorry about that dear."
Robin took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and looked at the lady. "Can I help you with something?"
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your performance back there, it was really spectacular," she informed him.
Robin felt bashful and scratched the back of his neck.
The lady looked him up and down. "Are you doing alright dear? You do look rather thin and scruffy."
Robin looked down at himself; his clothes did have a few holes and were dusted with dirt and gravel. The young wizard looked back up and crossed his arms. "I'm fine."
The lady's face morphs into a saddened smile.
"Are you sure? I'm happy to give you a nice warm meal and a place to sleep for the night," she asked, looking hopeful.
That got Robin thinking.
"Give me a moment," he said before turning his back on the lady.
Al poked his head out and gave Robin a curious look.
"Do you think this is a good idea? They could be an axe murderer for all we know." Al questioned.
"First off, that's unlikely. Secondly, this could be our chance to have a quick recharge before we find our proper footing. And if she ends up being shady, we can just mind-wipe her and run," Robin mentally pointed out.
Al was about to say something but just shook his head and hid back in Robin's scarf. Robin turned back around and gave the old lady a smile.
"I'd like to take you up on your offer," he stated.
The old lady smiled warmly. "If that's so, then please follow me. I can assure you you'll have a great time."
The lady began walking away with Robin swiftly following her. She sent a look Robin's way before turning back around. The look made the young wizard slightly uneasy. It was the look that said 'I know". Robin mentally scoffed and pushed the thought aside. The old lady knew nothing about him and he doubted she ever would.