Cloud glanced up when he was addressed. There was a woman standing not too far from him. She was almost entirely covered by a white cloak. He could have sworn he was alone just moments ago. He chalked it up to the city. It seemed to do what it wanted, when it wanted. Or at least its residents did.

“I have nothing to hide from,” Cloud replied in a low voice. “But if you’re concerned about being seen, then I’ll move.” He did as requested, turning so that the light from the screen pointed towards the wall. He thought it would make more sense to have the light pointing away from the darkness so that it wouldn’t contrast as much, but having his back towards the wall was much better. Besides, it was what the woman had asked of him.

He continued checking his location against the gate. He still had a ways to go before he reached it. He closed the journal, making the point of light and dark irrelevant ultimately, and shoved it in a pocket. He glanced once more at the new woman. There was something about her he couldn’t put his finger on, and it too brought back some memories. He’d made a deal, a really simple one. But that was so long ago that it hardly mattered anymore.

He nodded once at the woman. “Take care,” he said in farewell, and began walking off past her. He’d wasted enough time already. It’d be just his luck if the woman was a talker and wanted to go on. It was also a bad idea to turn his back on an enemy. But she wasn’t an enemy, was she?