The rooftop grit bites into Dream David's soles as he lands. His wings ache with a dull, throbbing rhythm, their membranes slick with cold rain.
Dream David
The sonic blast took everything I had left. I need to move, to stay ahead of them, but my body feels like it is made of lead.
Below, the fried chicken joint's neon sign sputters, casting an erratic yellow light onto the wet pavement. Jax stands near the entrance, his eyes darting frantically toward the dark clouds above.
Jax
Hey. Over here. I thought you were done for when those suits closed in.
Dream David
I am still standing, Jax. But we cannot stay in the open. The city is too loud with their eyes.
Dream David
I can smell the grease and breading from here. A moment of normalcy, maybe, before the next flight. Or is the scent just another lure?
“Get chicken”
FAILURE (Fair Agility, rolled -1)
Dream David
The hunger is gnawing at me, sharper than the sting of the rain. A quick descent, a grab, and I can be back in the shadows before they even blink.
Dream David launches from the ledge, his large wings struggling to find purchase in the heavy, saturated air. He dives toward the service window, but his coordination falters.
A sudden gust of wind slams him into the brick wall of the building, his talons scraping uselessly against the mortar. He tumbles to the pavement, landing hard.
Jax
Are you trying to get us caught? You just slammed into the wall like a common pigeon.
Dream David
My wings... they are too heavy with the rain. I missed the ledge.
Dream David
Now the service door is opening and the fry cook is staring at me with a bewildered expression. If I do not move, they will call the authorities before I can even stand.
+ Scene Quest Added
Escape the alleyway before the authorities arrive
“Get chicken”
FAILURE (Fair Agility, rolled +1)
Dream David
The kitchen smells like heaven. Just one box, snatched and gone. I can handle this despite the downpour.
Dream David tucks his wings, aiming for the narrow ventilation gap. A sudden downdraft, cold and unforgiving, catches his span.
Instead of a graceful glide, he clips the metal awning. The screech of tortured steel echoes through the alleyway.
Dream David
Damn it. My balance is completely gone. I am exposed.
the fry cook
What in the world is that? Hey, get away from the ventilation unit before I grab the heavy-duty spray!
Jax
They are going to call the agency, David. We need to leave, now, or we are going to be lab rats by morning.
“Get chicken”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +4)
Dream David
The grease and steam make it easy to mask my scent. If I move fast, I can snag the box and vanish before they know I am here.
Dream David snaps his wings shut, his talons gripping the slick bricks as he inches toward the open service window.
Dream David
Almost there. Just one quick snatch and I can finally eat something that does not taste like alley puddles.
He lunges with surprising speed, his long wing extending to hook the edge of a cardboard box sitting just out of reach.
the fry cook
You again? I swear, if you touch one more piece of inventory, I am calling the authorities!
Jax
He is going to get us killed over a box of fried chicken. I should head toward the fire escape and pray he realizes how loud that shouting is.
+ New Item Acquired
Cardboard box of fried chicken
“Pay for the chicken”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +0)
Dream David
The threat of the authorities is real, but I can resolve this without a fight. If I can prove I am not just a common thief, maybe the tension breaks.
Dream David
Wait. Do not call anyone. I am not here to steal your supplies.
the fry cook
Oh, sure. You just hang around back alleys and raid windows for your health? Get lost, freak!
Dream David
I have money. I am hungry, that is all. How much for the box?
Dream David unhooks a small, waterproof pouch from his utility belt, shaking the rain from his dark feathers as he presents a crumpled wad of cash.
the fry cook
He is actually offering to pay? I have never seen a creature like that hold money with such precision. This is bizarre.