undergrounds | The boy is back in town

[A]
After years of imprisonment, freedom is amazing.

Even now, even though it's been a few days, he still can't get over the feeling of being back in the world. Being around people and breathing fresh air (as fresh as a city can manage anyway). Sirius trots along the street and back alleys, keeping up the act as a stray dog and generally trying not to be noticed. He'd forgotten how easy it was.

However, his ability to enjoy himself is currently at war with the realization that he's pretty vulnerable. It's been twelve years and he really has no information about what the city is like. He has no idea if he has any friends left, or if there's anyone in this city who would be willing to help him. He needs allies, he needs information, he needs clothes.

Food should probably be added to that list now. Sirius can't recall the last time he ate a decent meal. (not counting the garbage can he raided out of desperation).

For now though, he needs rest. He's been on the run constantly and all of that energy has finally caught up with him. He collapses under a tree in a park, and from a distance, it might look like he's dead.

[B]

Information and allies will likely have to wait for a bit until Sirius can reorient himself in the city. Clothes and food, however, are slightly more accessible. Thankfully someone's got their laundry out on the line, and he can smell a few things from a garbage that he would be able to stomach. Desperate times call for desperate measures that he's actually thinking of doing that a second time.

[ooc: Sirius can be caught doing either in Option B]

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"Does the name Redbright mean anything to you?" he asked.

"Vaguely, it's a school right?" At least, from what Sirius could recall. Good to know it was still around and that that hadn't changed at least.

"Do you know what it's a school for?" he asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Humans with powers or something, right?" It's getting a bit harder to feign ignorance.

"Ah, there it is. So you do know," he said, "And yourself? You're not quite a mere human, are you?"

Mentally, Sirius is kicking himself, debating whether or not he should keep hiding his identity. Well, he's already blown some of his cover, no point in trying to hide the rest of it. There's no one to protect beside himself really.

"Fine, you caught me, but I'm guessing it's the same for you."

"Absolutely," he said, "Anyways, I'd suggest you be careful. Tensions are simmering beneath the surface right now, not among the regular humans but among those like us."

"Yes, you were starting to say something about Redbright," Sirius prompts, "What exactly is going on?"

"Miss Redbright - leader of Circle Daybreak and founder of the Redbright Institute - has recently claimed new territory in her name, and there is a bit of a struggle brewing between those who agree with her goals and those who find the parameters set by her and the Night Council rather restrictive, and in some cases outright exclusionary," he said.

Sirius's face tightens at the mention of the name. He remembers Miss Redbright vaguely, since she was involved in his trial and likely one of the ones who sent him to prison. While he has a healthy respect for someone like her, there's also a good deal of dislike.

"Dare I asked what those goals are?"

"Peace," he said, "Not a bad goal on its own, but when it comes to a community as diverse and...sometimes tense as ours, you can't really impose peace without taking sides and restricting others."

"That's for sure, and I'm sure her idea of peace is a bit different compared to others."

Although it's been a while since he paid attention to any of the particular factions, even before he was in prison.

"I suppose some people didn't take it well?"

"No, not well at all. No major conflicts yet, but trouble brews beneath the surface," he said, "I would be careful, Mr...?"

"Guess I picked an interesting time to come back." He really has rotten luck sometimes.

"My name is Sirius, and you are?"

“You certainly did. And…Sirius. That’s a lovely name. Like the star,” he said very sincerely, gazing up at the sky and now coming off like a strange star-obsessed gentleman. But it was good to know that having a star-based name could immediately improve his opinion of someone.

“I go by Cephei. Like the star, as well.”

It looks like naming traditions in the Black family have finally paid off if that is the case.

"Cephei," Sirius repeats with a nod. "So, anything else you should tell me about?"

"Not that I can think of. I've been a bit detached, myself, up until recently," he said, mostly because he was in the Other Realm not paying much attention to what the little humans were doing.

"Well, I appreciate the information, regardless. London's still split up into territories I'm assuming?"

After all, things may have changed and he wants to know what's safe, and where to avoid. (Sounds like Redbright might be worth avoiding right now)

"Oh, yes, and some of them are rather heated at the moment, but if you're not yet well known you should be able to slip by anywhere," he said, "But I'd suggest finding somewhere to settle before too long."

"I've been hoping to do that soon," Sirius admits, since a life on the run is not exactly easy. "Again, I appreciate the help."

"You are welcome," he said with a nod, "I suppose I should be going."

"As should I."

Staying in one spot for too long would likely be dangerous. Sirius didn't want to cause more suspicion than he had to.

The boy is back in town

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