Crescent felt something was wrong. But at the same time, his mind never felt more clear. Ever since he first opened his eyes to the sight of a bustling hub of technology, its sleek buildings of perfect white perturbed him to no end. It was a grand citadel, expanding beyond what the eye could perceive. Pulsating lines of blue coursed around every building, illuminating the dark citadel enclosed by a great dome. Flying vehicles zoomed in and out from every corner, yet strangely the loud engines could scarcely be heard.
The boy continued to stare. This was a first for him, to take-in such a scenery in detail. Within the haze of his memories, he always felt like he viewed such sights from a good distance. Feeling his face around, the soft, pudgy feeling of flesh... felt just as alien as this city.
He was certain he was the only person feeling this way, as people of varying colors passed by, indifferent to his visage. From winged people to furred humanoid beasts, he definitely wasn't an odd one out.
He glanced at his hands, feeling unfamiliar with even his body. A ghastly pale color. Crescent, just when was he ever named that to begin with? Finding himself occupied with these odd thoughts, he glared at the marble flooring which reflected him back cleanly.
Hair of opaque black, eyes devoid of light, he keenly felt that this wasn't him.
"A-ah." He mouthed out, finding even the noise emitted peculiar. A strange sensation loomed over him, rattling his entire body. It felt like insects were wriggling over every surface, a pricking itch which screamed that this wasn't him. Yet if he wasn't himself, what was he?
Shuffling around, the black haired youth rushed across the plaza. The endless sprawling buildings surrounded him, imposing a feeling of suffocation. He didn't know where he was going, but it felt better than to stand still.
"Woah." Colliding unknowingly, Crescent felt he had struck metal... Metal, another new concept. Yet it was, without question, imperviously solid, a cold surface which halted his movements. He had fallen to the ground, a pang of pain felt by his legs.
Crescent adjusted his eyes, only to be met with the unfeeling gaze of a strange woman with ashen hair.
"Are... y-you okay?" The boy of black asked, again feeling unsettled. Like a newborn, there lied a slight hesitance in his speech, occasional mispronunciations sprouting. He coughed to fix a low rasp in his voice, then repeated himself, "Are you okay?"
"Yes. This one is fine. No forms of damage have been detected upon this one's body." They replied robotically, but with an unmistakably human voice. The 'girl' dusted off their clothes with both arms simultaneously, before extending a hand towards the fallen Crescent.
He stared at the hand for a good while. Shining tips of grey comprised her fingers, gently reaching out towards him. And he was unsure of how to respond.
"Average behavior determines that receiving this hand is customary after collision with another individual." They spoke in response to his silence. Crescent nodded to her words, grabbing unto her hand. The boy felt that listening to her words seemed right.
A cold touch, an unbelievably hard material, which were her fingers firmly held his hand. And she mercilessly pulled him, almost launching him upward.
"Apologies. Restraint has not been properly modulated on this one's vessel yet."
"A-ah, thank you." Crescent relayed his feelings of gratitude, and it seemed like it was conveyed properly. Surely, there was a difference in languages and forms of communication, yet the two spoke in understanding to one another. The girl stood still for a few seconds, before her mouth started to curl upwards.
"This smile is a response to accept your thanks." She spoke all the while pointing at her mouth. Crescent nodded repeatedly, as if learning new concepts from the strange lass.
"Introductions are in order, now that the incident has settled completely. I am Model-21XX-01, code-name Miria. Judging by your white attire, it can be determined that you are a student like I. Let us get along." Miria introduced herself with a neat 90-degree bow.
"I don't know what model am I, but my name is Crescent." Crescent attempted a smile, a gesture of good will. He felt like he usually introduced himself differently, but found Miria's introduction far more pleasant.
"A model is reserved solely for machines and androids such as I. Please, do not stress over your model. For you are..." Her eyes scanned Crescent up and down, before confirming with him, "Human?"
Androids, Crescent had an odd thought; thinking that humans came in many different forms. The word itself registered in his mind, but as for what it meant, he had no clue.
"Is there any other race than human?" Crescent asked with a tilt, he was also of the opinion that the moniker felt ill-suited for him. He had the appearance of a human, but that felt distant to his core being.
"There exists a great many. However, judging by your biological features, you best represent the race of human as compared to others." She responded, now assured of her diagnosis. Though, the boy unknowingly thought to himself, that this android seemed far more human than he was.
"This one believes you are a new transferee. Please rest assured, for this one is capable of guiding you. A preliminary survey of the city, Rondo Belle, has been fully conducted." This city, Rondo Belle, was the place where dimensions converged, reaching a meeting point. And it was here, where...
"Come. This one was delayed by you, but we can now safely arrive to the academy." She stretched out a hand towards Crescent, who yet again felt unsure of how to respond, "At times like these, a man must grab the girl's hand to move forward."
Miria was likely skipping a few steps, yet within her rushed words expressed an intent to hurry. Thus, he abided.
"Understood." He responded simply, keeping a smile.