The desert sprawls endlessly before you, the sun’s relentless rays scorching your back as you trudge forward. Reaching the mountains seemed easy in your mind—a simple trek across the sand—but now, you’re not so sure. The heat distorts the horizon, and you can’t shake the feeling that you’ve been walking in circles. The little water you had is long gone, and your vision blurs as dehydration sets in.

Just as your knees begin to buckle, two icy hands clasp your sunburned shoulders, sending a shock through your exhausted body. The sudden chill makes you shiver, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat.

You turn to find yourself face-to-face with a man who’s grinning down at you, his large red wings—fading to gray at the tips—spreading out behind him like a shield against the sun. He’s an odd sight, dressed in scuffed leather boots and gloves, a red turtleneck beneath a gray kimono adorned with red accents around the collar. Yellow-tinted goggles rest over his eyes, likely to protect them from the harsh desert winds during flight. Despite the heavy, layered clothing, he seems unaffected by the heat, his face showing no sign of discomfort. You notice his wings resemble those of a desert cardinal—Which isn't surprising in a world of quirks.

"Boy, you’re warm!" he remarks, a finger poking at your flushed face. "And dry." He pulls his goggles up to his forehead, studying you with a curious intensity.

Your throat is too parched to respond, but before you can even try, he interrupts. "I thought you were just a piece of metal out here," he says with a hint of disappointment, uncapping his water bottle. Most of the precious liquid spills into the sand before he hands it to you. How careless.

"Are you lost?" he asks, crossing his arms as you desperately gulp down what remains of the water. He watches you with a mix of amusement and concern, then kicks the sand with his boot, hands on his hips. "I have a shop bout'a mile from here, if you need a place to stop… or rest.” he smiles.