#love and deepspace OC

[huntermoris]

⭐️the gala⭐️

inspired by this post by the lovely @leighsartworks216 🫡🫡🫡

hopefully y'all will notice all the little easter eggs and stuff :)) if there are any misspelling: mind your business and imagine it correctly ☺️☺️☺️ also if anyone actually figures out the song she is singing: you get a free art request of anything you desire, lol good luck 👹👹

also sorry for the wait🫡🫡 :)) lol hope you enjoy :))

[tumbling-through-deepspace]

Sylus did not know how it came to be, but he wasn't someone to be stumped by the unexpected things of life. No, he would handle this situation like he would any other, with calculated strategy and a solid plan.

The unexpected thing was the chubbiest set of cheeks he has ever seen and the constant poking of his chest while hearing his name being butchered by what looked like a child no older than a year.

How was it possible for his name to have so many renditions? He wasn't annoyed but it left him a bit perplexed finding out that he was a fictional character for a mobile game.

It would seem that his newfound awareness was the result of his Evol, having sensed multiple energies that were so different, popping up at random times, especially at the witching hours.

Just one thought is all it took for his consciousness to be awakened. One voice that captivated his attention.

"Come on hun. Mama, thanks you for her phone."

There was that voice again. A stream of giggles followed "ma-ma. I-yus."

"Yes, baba, that's Sylus, and I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate you poking him so much.

He felt himself being moved, and seconds later, he was greeted by a face that left him speechless. Not many things could catch him off guard. This, however, was an exception.

The person in front of him looked exactly like Lyssa, except lavender eyes were replaced with brown. Her hair was in a style of long braids and face round from motherhood.

Even their voices were similar. "Sorry Sylus, I don't know how she got my phone but I'm sure the constant poking would be annoying."

He observed as she held the hyper toddler in her arms, who just kept laughing. "Sy-Sy!"

"Well, that's a new one. Come on, Mama wants to play her game. How about some Bluey?"

That got the toddler more excited.

A catchy theme song filled the air and she returned.

"Finally. I have half an hour to relax before she comes to get me."

Those bright, round eyes made contact with his. A small smile, formed on her lips.

"Morning, Sylus."

He felt his heartbeat speed up just from two simple words.

There was no way he was going to be stuck in a game, not when there was the existence of a world entirely different from his own.

Not when the woman in front of him made something within him stir. There was a connection between them.

No. He needed to research and find answers. This was far from over. For now, he would learn as much as he can about her.

[lazloemporium]

,, A female warrior fighting a horned monster? But based on the pose, it's hard to tell of she's pulling out the sword or stabbing it into its chest''

,,Who would pull out a sword to save a monster?"

,,Why are you judging only by appearances Mr. Sylus? A scary face doesn't always mean they're a villain. For example, there's one right in front of me who's"

,,Who's what, sweetie?"

,,A kind person. The kind who donates buildings."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today's Sylus Tour Memo somehow grab my heart, squished it with emotion and throw it through the window.

The power of this scenario pull me from my art block/sadness state and made me draw some doodle.

[dood-itsradical]

Welcoming new sister!

[cricketshollow]

Heart of the Sea

Love and Deepspace

Summary: "When you take me into your waiting arms and steal my final breath as payment…take with it the memory of him." Pairing: Rafayel x Reader Word Count: 2.6k Warnings/Additional Tags: Angst, Fluff, Romance, Angst With Comfort, Suicide, Character Death, Star-Crossed Lovers Trope A/N: Hello! Please be reminded that this is a work in progress, and I am still relatively new to writing, so please be patient with me. If you guys do end up enjoying it, then likes and follows are always appreciated. With that said, I hope you all enjoy the story!

The sound of waves crashing against the cliffside seemed to drown out the rest of the world as a woman stood atop the cliff face. Her eyes trained on the sky as dark storm clouds rolled in from the west, darkening the sky with their approach and blocking out the light of the setting sun. The distant clash of thunder ringing in her ears, and the flash of lightning shining in her lifeless eyes as she lost herself to the memories running through her mind. Lost herself to the memories of her lover and their time spent together. The feeling of his soft purple hair running through her finger, the sight of his glittering scales as he swam through the ocean currents in the morning light, the warmth that spread within her heart as she stared into his unique eyes.

His eyes.

What beautiful eyes they were

The colors of blue and pink mixing perfectly together, and reminding her so much of the setting sky now blocked out by the dark gray clouds above. The storm rolling in around her and causing the temperature to drop drastically, her warm breath coming out in puffy clouds against the cold air. The wind speeds rising, and the waves crashing hard against the cliffside below as she continued to stare up at the sky. The cold grass beneath her bare feet barely registered within her mind as she took a step forward.

Then another.

Then another.

Until at last she stood at the edge of the cliff, her lifeless eyes still trained on the sky as lightning flashed once more. Thunder shaking the earth below as the first rainfall began. The droplets gently pelting against her ice cold skin, wetting her hair and causing her clothes to stick to her skin. The soft smell of rain mixing perfectly with the familiar scent of the sea as the frigid winds rose up from the crashing waves below. The wind running through her damp hair and brushing against her cheek in a gentle caress, as if knowing and acknowledging her struggles, as if beckoning her to join it in the dark depths below.  

“Please…”

The woman began, her voice no more than a whisper against the raging storm around her. Still, even the waves seemed to calm their assault against the cliffside at the desperation in the woman's tone.

“Grant me one last act of mercy. When you take me into your waiting arms and steal my final breath as payment…take with it the memory of him. The memory of his beating heart beneath my fingertips as I sang to him late into the night, of his hands in mine as we danced beneath the waves in each others arms, of his lips pressed against mine as he pledged his love to me…of his hands reaching out to another woman, of his kingdom falling to ruin and of his blood staining the ocean red and his broken scales floating atop the water's surface as he took his final breath.” 

She begged, praying to any god that would listen to grant her this one last wish before she is swallowed by the depths of the sea and forgotten for all time.

As her words were spoken into the world, lightning flashed across the sky with thunder following soon after as the storm grew in its intensity. The familiar scent of sea salt invading her senses as the wind brushed against her cheek in a final caress, reassuring her of her decision before carrying her words across the sea. The wind parting the clouds above her and allowing a steady stream of light to peek through, its colors a beautiful mixture of blue and pink, so reminiscent of his eyes. The light shining down upon her and beckoning her forward, promising her peace if she just took that final step. The sight causing a soft smile to spread across her lips as the woman raised her hands to the sky, welcoming the beautiful light as if welcoming home her long lost lover.

“Thank you.”

She whispered, her voice filled with an overwhelming gratitude.

A single tear rolling down her cheek as she finally closed her eyes, that single droplet rolling off of her chin and falling into the ocean below as she took that last step forward. The cold ground beneath her bare feet disappearing as she allowed herself to fall.

Down.

Down.

Down.

The wind picking up in speed and the waves crashing against the now empty cliffside with a renewed vigor. The roaring of the thunder drowning out the sound of the woman's body hitting the ocean below with a sickening crash. 

A deafening silence greeted her as she sank beneath the waves, the ocean welcoming her into its cold embrace as she sank further and further into its depths. The metallic taste of blood on her tongue and the throbbing pain in her head causing her to lose focus as she watched the surface grown farther and farther out of her reach. The frigid cold of the ocean waters seeping into her bones and chilling her to her core as her vision began to blur. The sight of the raging storm above the surface of the water the last thing she saw before she slowly closed her eyes. A soft smile spreading across her lips for the last time as she finally allowed the darkness to take over her mind.

The pain of her throbbing body and the frigid chill of the ocean within her bones slowly fading away as the ocean did as she asked. Taking her into its waiting arms and stealing her final breath as payment before finally taking the memory of her long lost lover away from her.

———

At the docks sat a young woman, her legs crossed beneath her as she stared down at a notebook held within her hands. Her brows furrowed in thought as she tapped a pencil against her chin, trying her best to think of what to write. Yet, as the minutes ticked by, she couldn't help but grow frustrated with herself as her mind continued to wander.

Realizing she wasn’t going to be getting anything done, the woman sets her notebook down in her lap with a sigh of irritation. Her pencil falling from her hands and rolling across the dock as she buried her face into her hands. A soft pout making its way onto her face as she glanced out across the ocean, her chin propped up against her hands as she leaned on her knees. The sight of the setting sky beyond the ocean calming something deep inside of her as she stared for a while. The soft blues and pinks within the sky mixing beautiful with the golden glow of the setting sun shining across the ocean. The feelings of warmth, love and dedication the colors caused within her heart confused the woman, yet she couldn't find it in herself to mind as she allowed the sight to calm her racing mind.

To anyone looking in, they would see a woman sitting peacefully at the edge of the docks, a notebook in her lap as she staring lifeless out at the setting sky beyond the ocean. However, in the woman's eyes, all she could see was the colors of blue and pink mixing together in a beautiful display. All she could see was lightning flashing across a stormy sky, the sound of thunder shaking the earth and waves crashing against the side of a cliff, and the feeling of the wind caressing her cheek as her body is plunged into the icy depths of the ocean below.

The sound of her pencil falling into the water below is what finally brought the woman out of her thoughts. The memories and faint sensations fading from her mind just as fast as they had come as she glanced towards the edge of the dock. Her head peaking over the side as she glared down at the wooden pencil floating atop the waters surface a couple of feet below.

“Darn it, not again.” 

She whispers, her hand reaching out to pluck the pencil from the sea, only to stop as something caught her eye.

It was a small fish, no bigger than her palm. It's scales a beautiful iridescent blue against the ocean surrounding it. It's head poking out of the water to nibble on the side of her pencil, looking the same as a puppy chewing on a stick. The sight causing the woman to chuckle as she takes a moment to glance around, making sure no one was watching her before finally reaching her hands out. Her fingers dipping into the water below as her Evol slips out, her eyes glowing a soft blue as the water bends around itself to form a water bubble around the fish and the pencil. The bubble hovering just above her palms as she pulls it towards her. Keeping its shape and allowing her to get a better look at the little fish with the pencil still in its mouth.

“Hello there.”

The woman says, her smile warm as the fish glances at her before going back to chew on its prize. 

“I’m sorry to say, but that’s not food, little one.”

She says, reaching inside the bubble and gently pulling the pencil out. The bubble remaining intact around the little fish as she sets the pencil down next to her on the dock.

“Now, what are you doing so close to the docks? I’ve seen a big old fat cat walking around here lately who looks like he would eat you the first chance he got.” 

The woman says, her smile teasing as the fish begins circling around the bubble. It's eyes wide and filled with curiosity as it checks out its new vantage point before finally glancing back down at where the pencil was lying beside the woman. Its eyes hungrily eyeing the prize it had worked so hard to get, only for it to be snatched away in the end. The sight of such a look on a fish’s face causes the woman to laugh as she reaches down and picks the pencil back up before finally slipping it back inside of the bubble.

“Alright, fine. You can have the pencil, it’s not as if I was getting anything done with it anyways.”

The woman mumbles with a pout, watching as the fish immediately latches onto the side of the pencil. Its little eyes finally looking up at the woman as it nibbles on its new treasure.

“Hmm, with your love for that pencil, I can only assume that you are a very artistic young fish. You wouldn’t happen to have any ideas for music, would you little one? I’m having a bit of writer's block while coming up with something new.”

She says with a smile, not expecting an actual answer as the fish looked at her with curiosity.

“Do you get all your ideas from fish?”

Someone suddenly asks from behind the woman.

The sudden voice caused the woman to gasp, her body jumping in surprise but the bubble luckily staying intact above her hands. The little fish looking at her with what could only be described as a pout as she glances over her shoulder, her eyes widening as she finds a man standing right behind her.

He looked young, probably no older than herself, with soft looking dusky purple hair and fair skin. He was dressed in a beige multi-colored cardigan over a white button up shirt and black pants with a dangly earring hanging from his right ear, a travel brochure clutched in his right hand as he stood with his arms crossed.

Once the shock of his sudden appearance had faded, the woman's surprise was then replaced by amusement as she finally registered the strangers words.  

“Of course I do. After all, fish always have the best ideas.”

The woman says, giving the stranger an amused smile as he raises an eyebrow. A smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he comes closer, crouching down to examine the fish still nibbling on the pencil within the protection of its bubble. 

“Are you sure about that? This one doesn’t look too intelligent.” 

The man says, reaching out to gently poke at the bubble and watching as it keeps its shape. 

“I’ll have you know this little fish has big plans for himself. See, he already had the first tool that any great artist needs.”

The woman says with a confident smirk, nodding to the pencil within the fish's grasp as the fish continues to nibble on its prize, completely unaware of the two people arguing over its intelligence.

“Is that so? Well, if that's the case, then he should probably learn that pencils aren't food.”

The man says, his voice teasing and his eyes filled with mischief as he glances away from the fish to instead look at the woman with a playful smirk.

His eyes.

At the sight of his eyes, the woman's smile slowly falls as she stares up at him. Her eyes widening as she loses herself in the soft blues and pinks of his eyes. The color familiar to her in a way she couldn't describe, the memory of a heartbeat beneath her fingertips and light caressing her skin flashing through her mind as she loses herself in his gaze. Seeing the dazed look in the woman's eyes, the man gave her a curious look. His playful smirk still present as he raised his eyebrow in a silent question. The subtle warmth hidden within his gaze causing the woman's heart to race as she tilts her head. A soft smile spreading across her lips as she stares up at him with a far away look in her eyes.

"What beautiful eyes."

She whispers, her voice soft in the silence between them.

However, her words seem to have an effect on the man. His eyes widening, the smirk falling from his lips as he stares at her in shock. The look in his eyes haunted, filled with a deep anguish and guilt that the woman could not understand.

As if he had seen a ghost.

It was this look that caused the woman to finally snap out of whatever trance she had been in. Her eyes widening as she realized what she just said to a complete stranger. A dark blush of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks as she looks away from the man. Her eyes glancing over the fish instead as she tries to calm her racing heart. All while the fish looks at her with what could only be described as pity as it continues to nibble on its pencil.

By the time she had gathered the courage to turned back to him, the man had already stood and was making his way back down the dock towards town. His sudden departure causing the woman's eyes to widen in surprise, her eyes trailing after him as his figure got further and further away. 

“Oh um, goodbye. Nice meeting you.”

She says, her voice filled with confusion and guilt as she watches him walk away for a moment longer before turning back to the fish.

“Well, that was embarrassing.”

She mumbles, her eyes scanning over the fish for a moment before her smile returns.

“Well, thank you for spending time with me, little fish, but its getting late. You should probably start heading home. I hope you enjoy your new treasure.”

The woman says, reaching down to gently set the bubble back into the ocean. Her Evol returning to her as the bubble disperses, allowing the fish to swim around in a couple of circles before finally making its way further into the sea with its prize held tightly in its mouth. The sight causing the woman’s smile to grow as her gaze slowly travels to the setting sun in the distance. Savoring the sight of the blues and pinks of the sky blending together before heading home for the day. The familiar scent of sea salt invading her senses as the gentle breeze blows through her hair and brushes across her cheek.

With her distracted, the woman didn’t notice when the man from before stopped walking to glance at her over his shoulder. That same haunted and regretful look in his eyes as he watches her savor her time by the sea. His eyes scan over the familiar sight of her white hair cascading down her back in beautiful waves and her pale blue eyes filled with warmth as she watches the sunset beyond the sea. The sight almost too much for him to handle as he finally turns away. His steps heavy and his heart even heavier as he makes his way further and further away from the one place he wanted to be, refusing to turn back around for even a second.

Knowing that if he did, he would never leave her side again. 

A/N: I hope you enjoyed, be sure to like and follow for more!

[sylussoathbound]

Just my two pookies that I love oh so very much

[vellatrelle]

Commissions for

@/mrlovesimps

@/_.petri.chor._

@/tired_of_everything_bro

On Instagram!!

[impaostor]

I'm still shocked by zaynes interactions on the game 🫠

The man loves physical touch I swear 💀

[sugarwyns]

rafayels just my little fishball you know

[saintedfallow]

Hands.

(Nothing about my newfound obsession for this game is healthy.)

[huntermoris]

✨A collection✨

Here’s my lil sketch collection of ✨them✨ hope y’all enjoy, and if you recognise one of them maybe mind your business?

Ait see y’all again more properly for the weeekend :))

[tumbling-through-deepspace]

"Is she doing this on purpose?"

"It is possible. She has never done anything like this before."

Sylus and Zayne simultaneously tilted their heads to the side, making them touch.

They so happened to come across one of the rarest sights known to mankind... Lyssa, wearing a miniskirt, the ones with pleats.

She was currently leaning over the kitchen counter, reading a book, hips swinging from side to side hypnotically.

"I'm highly tempted to run my hands down the back of her thighs."

"Judging by the way she just arched her back and gave a little wiggle, I think she wants that."

They made eye contact, "And won't you indulge, kitten?"

Zayne rolled his eyes. "Can't let you have her all to yourself."

[lazloemporium]

"Take your time kitten, stay focused and shoot when you're ready"

'' Are you teaching hunter how to hunt on its pray?" You whispered still gazing on your target. You know what to do, this is not your first time, yet… your "partner in crime" always need to know better.

"Meybe you are excellent hunter on your terytory sweetie" he said leading you in a tango, to the rhythm of the music flowing from the stage. "But here He is alfa predator"

"Not you sweetie?" You hiss trough your smiling lips. Sylus only chuckled in response.

The dance continued. Despite your best attempts to focus on your target, you couldn't ignore your partner's presence. The smell of heavy cologne and old whiskey. The warmth that emanated from him, the fleeting touch of his hand on the exposed back of your dress. You were afraid to look at him, afraid to drown in his blood-red eyes that stared at you with a dose of emotion you couldn't understand.Even your first meeting, accidental but somehow fated, did not indicate that it would turn into the kind of relationship that connected you now. A kind of loyalty, despite the fear of Onychinus' powerful boss, which allowed both of you to achieve your goal in every task you undertook.

You squeezed your eyelids shut trying to clear your thoughts and focus on your goal. The song was building to a crescendo, Sylus led your body into a spin, at the last moment grabbing your thigh to perform the last step of the dance. You looked at him, embarrassed yet captivated by his audacity.

"Eyes on the prize" He said not breaking eye contact. His eyes, the eyes of a murderer, a criminal and a manipulator.

Eyes that looked at you like you were the only thing worthy of attention in this world.

At the last note of the music you took a deep breath, aimed the shot and pulled the trigger. You were sure that the shot would hit the target with perfect precision and that whatever happened everything would be fine.

You would be safe. As long as Sylus will be by your side.

_____________________

I'm happy with how this scene turned out. It inspired me to write a "short" introduction describing the situation (apologies in advance for any mistakes, the problem is that English is not my first language)

How I wish I could tell you more about my MC and my version of their story (even though the L&DS story is great I always have to squeeze in something of my own).

I'll try to squeeze some of her Lore into my next works, especially since I already have something in mind. I'm sure Sylus won't let go of the backless dress and the possibility of teasing the MC.

[kykyonthemoon]

The first bouquet: For reunion and childhood memories

⭑.ᐟ The Little Flower Shop In Linkon ( Long fic) - Table of contents

⭑.ᐟ L&D Masterlist

Word count for this chapter: 2k5

When the late spring hues began to bloom, Lunaire decided it was time to open her own flower shop.

That property was on a quite ancient and peaceful street. Finding a calm space like this amid crowded Linkon, near the city center, was a blessing. The shop consisted of a ground floor that was a commercial space, on the side was a wooden staircase covered with vines leading to the upper floor separated from below. It became Lunaire's living space - a modest house with full amenities for one person.

That property was formerly owned by Lunaire's grandmother's long-time acquaintance. They opted to live overseas and sell it. With her savings over the years, Lunaire could only afford a lower floor. Although her grandmother intended to help her, she did not accept and was still working hard to be able to buy the house above.

After some renovation and rearrangement, Lunaire was able to officially move in on a late spring day.

Her flower shop, Elysium, would be open that weekend. Everything was well, thanks to her grandmother and Caleb, who frequently came to support her. They were now in the kitchen, and Lunaire sat on the floor, holding a huge cardboard box filled with beautiful objects from her previous home. Most of them were older than ten years. Lunaire had a passion for preserving artifacts related with specific memories.

The box gradually emptied once the objects were displayed in new positions. Her palm met something chilly at the bottom. It was a box made of wood. The familiar icy air emanating it drew Lunaire's attention. It had been a while since she had opened it.

Lunaire lifted the box with her hand. It had been on her desk for many years, stretching back to her childhood. She vividly remembered what was inside: plump, snow-white seals presented to her. But since the person who gifted them to her departed, Lunaire no longer desired to open the box and look at them.

That was why the box was always carefully tucked away in a corner of her desk. Sometimes, when she missed that certain person, she would softly touch it, allowing chilly air to flow through her palm. For a brief moment, she imagined her childhood friend standing in front of her, with the same appearance as before, encouraging her to keep studying or soothing her when she was in a bad mood. But it would all disappear when she returned to reality and realized that what she was holding on to were just memories.

"Lunch is ready." Grandma's words echoed from the kitchen. She quickly emerged. "Oh, you've found that box?"

Grandma, more than anyone else, acknowledged the value of the wooden box in Lunaire's hands and the memories contained within it. So she was astonished when her granddaughter did not bring it with her to the new residence on the first day. The next day, when the girl came to get something else, grandma quietly placed this box in her cardboard box. How silly that Lunaire then rummaged through her old room just to find it, almost crying because she accidentally lost such a precious thing. Of course, her grandma had not told her where the box was. She thought that sometimes her granddaughter had to truly lose something first to eventually admit how much she needed it later.

"Yes." Lunaire answered. "But I don't remember putting it here."

"Sometimes you still forget things here and there." Grandma's bright grin puzzled her a little. "Once you discover it again, be mindful of it. It would be a shame if you lost it for good one day!"

Before Lunaire could reply, Caleb's voice burst out:

"Grandma Céline. Lune! Let's have lunch!"

Lunch was served in Lunaire's brand new and cozy kitchen. She and Caleb prepared the dishes. Lunaire felt a twinge of sadness as she realized that after living alone here, she would no longer be able to enjoy her grandmother's cuisine every day.

In recent years, she had frequently had to leave her home to engage in EVER's research projects. Not long after returning, Lunaire moved out again. Only her grandma was left alone at home. However, she constantly claimed that she was not alone because Caleb's grandma lived right next to her.

When she was a child and moved to the Bloomshore district with her grandmother, Lunaire became Caleb's next-door neighbor. He also resided with his grandma. The two kids instantly became friends. To her, Caleb was like a big brother who always protected her. Currently, because he was on leave, he came home to visit, but then Lunaire bothered him again, asking for all kinds of help with her new shop and home. Despite his complaints, he was still willing to assist her.

After lunch, her grandmother said she wanted to go downstairs to see how the flowers in the shop were doing. Lunaire's maternal side of the family had a strong connection to plants. She also inherited the bloodline believed to be from witches. To others, this ability was known as Evol, but her family called it magic.

Grandmother seemed pleased with how Lunaire displayed and adorned the shop. It resembled their modest garden, particularly the light-filled tea area. She assisted her with the plants as Caleb checked the shop's lights. Lunaire was waiting for an electrician to arrive and install extra lights that day. Everything came into place, leaving her absolutely thrilled.

Suddenly, she heard a clanking sound in the corner of the shop. Grandma hugged her chest and knelt on the floor.

Some members of Lunaire's maternal family have exceptional talents. They have the ability to influence the Evol of others, either increasing or decreasing their strength. But that type of impact comes at a cost. If someone utilizes such power excessively, their body will be destroyed in a variety of ways.

Grandma Céline frequently suffered from heart attacks. When she was younger, things were not as dreadful. However, as she grew older, the suffering increased longer and more powerful. That was why she had not used her Evol in a while.

That day, she intended to use a little of her power to make the flowers in her grandchild's shop bloom exactly on opening day. Unexpectedly, just that little bit would cause her to be hospitalized.

Elysium Flower Shop was located near Akso Hospital. Caleb and Lunaire were waiting in the sparsely populated hallway. Her phone rang. The electrician had arrived at the shop and was waiting. She was about to reschedule for another day when Caleb suggested:

“How about I go back to take care of the shop for you? After finishing work there, I'll get back to the hospital to visit Grandma Céline. Is that Okay?"

"Thank you." Lunaire nodded slightly. Fortunately, Caleb was there for them. 

A nurse arrived shortly after he had departed. She stated that Grandma Céline had recovered consciousness, but that Lunaire needed to first consult with a doctor about the patient's condition before visiting her. Worried, she followed the nurse named Yvonne to the front door of an office. She glanced at the nameplate attached above and thought she was dizzy. 

Yvonne said: “Just go inside. Doctor Zayne is waiting.”

Zayne…

Lunaire's heart rate increased as she heard the name. Perhaps she was not mistaken. Maybe she knew the person in the room. Once.

With her fingers on the doorknob, Lunaire's thoughts strayed back to a day many, many years ago.

The town where the Lunaire family resided has been attacked by Wanderers. The ten-year-old girl lost her relatives and could only follow with the flow of refugees into Linkon city. By the time she regained consciousness, she was surrounded by strangers who were injured and screaming.

The girl shifted her gaze, seeking for any recognized faces. Yet, there was none. As she walked, she inquired whether anybody knew where her parents were. Those tiny legs kept roaming till they became exhausted. She sat down beneath the eaves of an unknown home. In her palm was a melted popsicle, leaving just the vibrant colors on her fingers.

Little Lunaire started to weep. What if she were forever separated from her loved ones? What if no one could find her? What would she do in this utterly unfamiliar city?

At that time, a person approached her. Another child who was older than her had a calmer demeanor. He stood there staring at her, his yellow and green eyes barely showed anything. But then he held out a popsicle in front of her.

“Take it. Don't cry anymore.”

Lunaire gazed at the popsicle, then at the young boy, and finally at her hand. Did he think she was crying because her popsicle had melted? She hesitated for a time before taking the icy present from his palm. She no longer had the heart to wonder where the boy got the ice cream from.

Sweets always made Lunaire feel better. The popsicle had a mild minty flavor. It was not her favorite flavor, but at that very moment it was strangely delicious. While she was eating the treat, the boy sat down next to her on the porch and took out a clean handkerchief from his pocket.

"Wipe your hand." He talked in short sentences, his tone a little frigid. However, he appeared to be rather kind and gentle. To Lunaire back then, everyone was good people. That was why she extended her hand to him.

The boy was a bit astonished. He obviously told her to wipe it off herself, but instead she extended her hand to him. He did not say a word, merely using the handkerchief to cover her palm and carefully wiping away the remaining traces of cream. When his hand touched hers, Lunaire felt a bit of cold mist emanating from it. When she calmed down, she realized that the boy possessed a type of icy Evol.

Lunaire's hands trembled slightly. The boy knew she was a refugee who got lost here and offered to help. He volunteered to take her to where people were seeking sanctuary in the district. There maybe she would find her family. Eventually, Lunaire agreed to it.

The little girl was absolutely unfamiliar with this place. But she kept following the boy. He was considerably taller than her, and his mature appearance gave people the impression that he was immensely reliable. Lunaire occasionally fell behind due to exhaustion. Realizing this, he deliberately walked slower to allow her to catch up. Her legs were not hurt, but they were fatigued and covered in mud. Her face was dirty and her clothes were unkempt. After a long distance, the two children arrived at the district's center, where a big crowd was rushing in the direction of the Wanderers' recent attack.

In the midst of the crowd, Lunaire lost sight of the friend from earlier. While looking blankly to the left and right, she felt a squeeze on her hand. He found her.

"Let's go. We're almost there.”

Lunaire's tiny fingers intertwined with his, allowing him to guide her through the crowd. All turmoil appeared to have subsided. Finally, they arrived at the shelter. But the boy remained with Lunaire for a while longer, until her grandmother found her.

That boy was Zayne. And after several years, they met again at Akso Hospital.

Lunaire walked into the minimally decorated office. An individual sat behind a desk, focusing intensely on the computer screen.  The typing on the keyboard stopped. He lifted his head. Through his thin glasses, their eyes met.

Lunaire would always remember that childhood friend's eyes. Everything about he could change; his appearance, his voice, his address; yet those eyes remained the most gentle. It had been too long. She had imagined the moment they met again, the things she would say to him. But when they actually met, her mind became empty.

He was the first to say: "Come here."

Still so gentle. 

Lunaire moved closer. She felt like her feet failed to walk anymore. She sat down in the chair near his desk.

"Grandma Céline is fine." He spoke as if he had sensed what she was worrying about. "She used Evol again, which caused the previous illness to recur. She will have to stay here to be monitored over the remainder of the day. If everything goes well, she can leave tomorrow morning.”

"Thanks, Z..." "Dr. Zayne." Lunaire spoke.

Zayne glanced at her swiftly and handed her a piece of paper.

"Fill this out."

He remained as reticent as he had been as a child. She snatched it from him. She assumed it was Grandma Céline's paper, but it had her full name written on it. The messy handwriting made her have to squint her eyes to read it over and over again before she could recognize her name being there.

"This is?…" 

"Yours." Zayne responded without glancing at her. He resumed his work on his computer screen. "You need regular health check-ups."

Zayne turned to look at her and replied:

“Grandma Céline and you own the same kind of Evol. Do you still feel pain in your heart at times?"

Lunaire nodded slightly. Zayne was well aware of this since as a child, he had witnessed her go through a similar predicament. 

“But it was only fleeting,” she continued.

“Nevertheless, you should be checked. I already spoke to Grandma Céline about this. She also agreed that you should both have regular health check-ups."

“All right…” Lunaire replied. She raised her head, looking for a pen on Zayne's desk. He immediately reached into his pocket for one and handed it to her.

"Thank you." She took it. At that time, she unintentionally noticed the scars on Zayne's hands. He promptly retracted it. 

Lunaire began filling out her information on the paper in silence. But in her heart, she wanted to ask him countless questions; about Grandma Céline, about him. How had he lived these past years? Where had he set foot to? Who had he met? What had he gained and lost during the time?

Finally, as late afternoon fell on the pot of jasmine in the window - the only plant present in Zayne's office - Lunaire handed him the paper. It was time for her to go see her grandmother. 

“Thank you, Doctor Zayne.” Lunaire said as she stood up. The reunion that she was looking forward to may have to wait a bit longer. For this meeting, it ended here. 

Lunaire walked out the door with unprecedented awkwardness. When she looked back, she found Zayne staring at her from his side of the desk. She smiled.

“By the way, I have a flower shop nearby. Elysium Flower Shop. This weekend will mark its grand opening. If... Doctor Zayne has time, perhaps stop by for a bit? I will be delighted if he does…”

Lunaire hesitantly observed Zayne's expression. His face remained the same, nothing had altered to indicate whether he would agree, or if he was happy to see her again. Zayne simply replied: "I will see."

Lunaire nodded slightly to say goodbye to him, attempting to disguise the disappointment that was quickly showing on her face. 

When the door closed behind the girl, the jasmine bud in Dr. Zayne's window suddenly stretched out, bursting with white petals. He smiled a little, realizing it was a present from his childhood friend.

Artwork: commissioned by me.

Artist: Thiếu I-ốt

[cricketshollow]

We love a supportive husband

[crows4luna]

BLOOD-SOAKED MELODIES: AISLA LOR / “ALISA” [ OC ] .◞ ♱ ◟. LISTEN TO THE 5TH EP NOW!

WARNING: THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF BLOOD, VIOLENCE, GORE, OCCASIONAL EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT & MATURE TOPICS ALL AROUND. UNDER 18 DO NOT INTERACT.

A SEMI-CANON COMPLIANT LOVE & DEEPSPACE AU. [ SYLUS x OC ] INSPIRED BY FICTIONAL POP STARS, MARIE MOREAU from GEN V, SKYE RILEY, and YUNA from FINAL FANTASY X-2. INDEX ㅤ ⸝⸝ ㅤ PROLOGUE ㅤ CH1 ㅤ CH2 ㅤ MORE TBA TAG LIST ㅤ ⸝⸝ ㅤ @pixelcafe-network

Of all the unique experiments that Ever has ever set its focus on, Aisla was one of the many who flourished darkly. Despite all their ambitions, no one ever really knows what determines the Evol a child will receive once the Aether Core transplant is complete. And with Aisla? Perhaps it was a matter of karmic justice.

Scientists, investors… all this greedy, corrupt power… Aisla was destined to be a part of a driving force to rebel and radicalize. So of course, when her younger self awoke on that recovery table, the bedside doctors each had their heads blown. The alarm had gone off, as a result—and it was the first time the greedy had been shaken. Frozen in place out of fear. Nobody likes to see a blood-soaked little girl, smiling innocently as viscera surrounded her.

PROLOGUE

“They hate the album.”

Aisla spares but a brief glance, then shrugs. Settled in her right hand is a latte, still warm from her short walk to the cafe and back. A ten minute trip, at most, given there’s not a line, so it’s easy to juggle breaks from the studio.

All she manages in response to the news is, “So?”

Her manager grimaces, wearing an expression that unveils a plea to care a little bit more.

It’s not that she hates being an entertainer. It’s actually a nice getaway from fighting Wanderers all the time, and even then, this double life remains shrouded in the dark. She gets to have it all (somewhat). Plus, she loves dancing and singing.

The public used to adore her, so to speak. But everything’s been too much lately, so she disappeared for a bit. It’s a concept that she doesn’t expect any of the general public to understand. The creative process can be a bitch.

And since then—younger, ‘fresh meat’ has debuted into the industry making copycat music and backpacking off each other’s concepts.

ALISA, Linkon City’s Beloved Pop Sensation…

Where has she gone?

“Critics are saying it’s mediocre for an EP, and it doesn’t hold up to your previous releases. They’re complaining about the lack of songs, how the concept doesn’t match, and…”

“And…?”

The man sighs, rubbing his hand over his face as he sets the tablet in hand down at his side. “Look, they don’t know you’re performing at the Celestia Festival yet. And at least, it’s just one song—and it’s a track that they like. Let’s just cling to the hope that this surprise show will regain some trust.”

She takes another sip of her latte, frowning at the taste. The caramel’s more salty than sweet. Gross. “Well… I never did anything wrong to them.”

Her phone vibrates in her pocket. Quickly, Aisla stands, muttering a quick excuse me before walking out of the room. Her manager’s reaction goes unnoticed, uncared for. Now in the hall, she taps on her Hunter Watch. Hologram panels stick up, entailing details: EXCLUSIVE HUNT. INTENSE METAFLUX FLUCTUATIONS 1.5KM SOUTHEAST.

Hm. Time to get to work.