[baekhyunx-ia]

The Golden Hairpin

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Long ago, when he was given the opportunity to live on this world for a while, Mother Sun gave him a hairpin. It was no ordinary hairpin; it was a gift to help him during this adventure. The first winter Baekhyun experienced on Earth was the most difficult. Normally, during spring and summer, Baekhyun feels weak at night. The night is Mother Moon’s realm. He wasn’t prepared for seeing Mother Sun less in winter and how uncomfortable it would make him feel. The gift from Mother Sun, that took the form of a beautiful golden hairpin. It wasn’t real gold, not the mineral at least. It took it’s color from the brightest of Mother Sun’s rays.

The hairpin was essential for Baekhyun. He always made sure it was with him while he traveled around the Earth. 90 years into his adventure of life, the hairpin was stolen from him. He’s long since lost hope of finding the gift again, especially when he found his human friend that gave him a place to stay. When winter returns to the hemisphere, Baekhyun reminisces about his golden hairpin.

Then, as Baekhyun is mourning the loss of his hairpin, a thought occurs to him. Baekhyun is naturally a very curious Sunsprite. Since beginning a new adventure in the Academy, Baekhyun has asked many students questions about the classes and the faculty. One faculty member might be able to help him! Mr. Kim is the Vice Principal of the academy; he is also the Keeper of Artifacts. Although his hairpin isn’t something Baekhyun believes to be monetarily valuable, maybe Mr. Kim can help him find it. Or at least give him an idea of where to look. Worst case scenario, the hairpin is lost to the Earth. The least Baekhyun can do for Mother Sun is try to find the gift she gave him. With new energy, Baekhyun jumps up from his bed and heads down to the academy.

Standing outside of Mr. Kim’s office makes a chill run down his spine. Maybe this is a mistake, his hairpin could be lost forever. Baekhyun takes a deep breath, this is a chance he’s willing to take. The worst that could happen is the Vice principal laughing at him for asking about a golden hairpin. The adventure of life is all about taking chances. Baekhyun is going to take as many as he can for the next 400 years, so he knocks on the door and waits.

@key-ia

[key-ia]

The moon and the sun were not exactly friends but also not enemies. Key did not know exactly how the relationship worked between the two entities but he had a vague idea. One could not exist without the other and so it was an everlasting balancing game. Or that was how he had started to understand it. In the end he was just a mere immortal in a world of Heavenly entities. “You pay as a client” Key answered briskly and then hummed as to give his statement a bit more energy. He did not do errands for students, but he did do jobs. When they interested them.

Baekhyun was foolish not to be worried about the vice-principle. While he would not hurt a student there was not a purely ‘good’ person in front of the other. Key, like many creatures here, worked on his own set of morals and did not concern himself with what the world thought to be right- no, he had his own right and wrong.

Right now, however, Baek had nothing to fear from Key for he was not out for the other’s soul or anything- this was a simple fetch quest. “I would like a lock of your hair and a vial of your blood as payment.” he stated as he looked at the younger and as he got up he somehow felt taller and his eyes more devious than the calm cool eyes he had as a teacher. He was the merchant after all- a man who many older creatures knew only by reputation. Oh- and how he loved to slip back in that persona like a comfortable pair of pants.

“Well, do we have a deal? Child of the Sun?”

[baekhyunx-ia]

“I suppose it’s my only real shot. I’ve tried searching for it on my own and haven’t found it yet. It wouldn’t hurt to have some help.” Baekhyun said to himself quietly. He’s heard rumors here and there about making deals, especially over meaningless objects. The hairpin is meaningful to him. As far as he knows, Baekhyun has never offended the vice principal.

His life is finite; this is something Baekhyun knows like the back of his hand. He may only have a couple hundred years left, but that hairpin was the first gift he ever received. It was also gifted to him by Mother Sun, that’s why its given him so much grief since he lost it. Baekhyun really hopes this isn’t going to curse his remaining time on Earth, but he wants his hairpin back.

“I have one more question: When we find the golden hairpin, will I get to keep it?” He asked, a lock of his hair and a vial of his blood is a small price to pay for his hairpin. Baekhyun isn’t totally sure about what those two objects would do for the vice principle, but sunsprites are not given the gift of life very often. Maybe it would help Key learn more about his kind? Either way, he’s willing to make a deal for his hairpin.

Mother Sun would never tell him otherwise, but she was disappointed when he lost it. He could feel it in the rays she blessed the Earth with. Over time, she seemed to forgive him but he never forgot about the hairpin. Asking for help seems like a step in the right direction. Baekhyun is a good student in almost all his classes, he doesn’t cause a lot of trouble, and he is a good follower for Mother Sun. Maybe he can do something for himself without feeling bad about it.

[august-ia]

Sunsprite & sunshine ~ august & baekhyun

[august-ia]

"Hey, we've got something in common," August flashes the other a grin, bumps him on the shoulder with his knuckles. "My dad gives up on me five times a day. It's been kind of refreshing to be living at the Academy. I actually prefer just having judging eyes from the sky than ones from my parents too," he gestured towards the sky above as they continued to walk like it was a passing thought to be waved away, though once he caught himself he looked up and bowed slightly, fingertips tingling from the tinge of adrenaline coursing through him when he knew he'd just spoken out of line.

"I've practiced since I was a teen, you'll learn too! We'll show your instructor together," he looked absolutely confident of that with a smirk on his face. "You have the advantage now. But first, food," he paused to stare at the menu of the sushi place they'd entered, tilting his head in thought. "I think I'd like to try the vegetarian menu. You know what, my treat. Pick anything you want or we can share," he looked at Baekhyun, eyes practically sparkling. While anyone could win him over by spoiling him, he enjoyed treating the people around him just as much. And really, he had more money than he could ever spend on himself.

He waited for Baekhyun to come to a decision about what he wanted to eat and meanwhile unleashed his ability to yap about nothing and everything after being asked the simplest of questions. "Well-- you see, we're of royal blood, my family and I. Our family has a certain structure, certain things are expected of us, there's a plethora of rules.. I don't know how obvious it is but I'm kind of bad at all that. I'm distracted. And archery is a distraction from my studies and they don't want that." He let out a deep sigh, thinking back on the time his parents had actually seen him with a bow the first time.

"The fact I'd learned archery in the first place was a secret for a long time. There was an elderly woman living in the woods nearby to our land and she saw me with this crappy bow I'd tried to build, I had no clue what I was actually doing, and she'd once been like a warrior princess or something, probably not literally, but she knew everything about bows and when I was ready, she gave me hers. I still have it. It's what I use mainly. But yeah, my parents freaked out.. It's just been one thing after another that I keep messing up."

[baekhyunx-ia]

“I think we can share, I don't eat a lot, and I would hate to waste any.” Baekhyun nodded. He listened to August intently; Although he’s been on Earth for a few years now, he still doesn’t understand all the different customs. It seems like every new being he meets needs to follow different customs. It’s all so new to someone like the Sunsprite, it also seems to change throughout the years depending on how the generations uphold it. He does his best to stay with the modern times.

Baekhyun would love to have a friend who also knows archery, but he can't help but wonder what would happen if they got caught. He would hate to be the reason his new friend got into trouble. On the other hand, he is shockingly bad at archery. He really thought it would be a lot easier than it is. Those other students must be born ready for the talent they possess.

“That sounds like a story! I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it really sounds like something I would read in a book. Your life is so interesting!” Baekhyun chuckled; he tried to think of an adventure in his life that would be nearly as riveting as August’s.

“I can’t really hide anything from Mother Sun, but I have found that I really love glassmaking and suncatchers.” Baekhyun said excitedly, he looked into his archery bag and dug around. Surely, he has something in his bag to show August. As much as he loves suncatchers, Baekhyun has never been able to make any as good as the booth down the road.  Since it was gifted to him, Baekhyun always carries his favorite suncatcher with him. He also carries around the first glass piece he ever made.

“Ah ha! Here they are!” Baekhyun exclaimed. He pulled the two objects out to show August; his favorite suncatcher shaped like the sun and some clouds. The other object is a small glass rainbow with two clouds on the end of it.

“I’ve gotten a lot of practice since I first made this rainbow, but it’s special to me.” He explains, as he finishes talking Baekhyun feels a little silly. August just told him about his royal life and how his parents don’t like him practicing archery, and here he is showing August the little glass rainbow he made and his favorite suncatcher. It’s probably not very interesting…

[baekhyunx-ia]

The Golden Hairpin

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Long ago, when he was given the opportunity to live on this world for a while, Mother Sun gave him a hairpin. It was no ordinary hairpin; it was a gift to help him during this adventure. The first winter Baekhyun experienced on Earth was the most difficult. Normally, during spring and summer, Baekhyun feels weak at night. The night is Mother Moon’s realm. He wasn’t prepared for seeing Mother Sun less in winter and how uncomfortable it would make him feel. The gift from Mother Sun, that took the form of a beautiful golden hairpin. It wasn’t real gold, not the mineral at least. It took it’s color from the brightest of Mother Sun’s rays.

The hairpin was essential for Baekhyun. He always made sure it was with him while he traveled around the Earth. 90 years into his adventure of life, the hairpin was stolen from him. He’s long since lost hope of finding the gift again, especially when he found his human friend that gave him a place to stay. When winter returns to the hemisphere, Baekhyun reminisces about his golden hairpin.

Then, as Baekhyun is mourning the loss of his hairpin, a thought occurs to him. Baekhyun is naturally a very curious Sunsprite. Since beginning a new adventure in the Academy, Baekhyun has asked many students questions about the classes and the faculty. One faculty member might be able to help him! Mr. Kim is the Vice Principal of the academy; he is also the Keeper of Artifacts. Although his hairpin isn’t something Baekhyun believes to be monetarily valuable, maybe Mr. Kim can help him find it. Or at least give him an idea of where to look. Worst case scenario, the hairpin is lost to the Earth. The least Baekhyun can do for Mother Sun is try to find the gift she gave him. With new energy, Baekhyun jumps up from his bed and heads down to the academy.

Standing outside of Mr. Kim’s office makes a chill run down his spine. Maybe this is a mistake, his hairpin could be lost forever. Baekhyun takes a deep breath, this is a chance he’s willing to take. The worst that could happen is the Vice principal laughing at him for asking about a golden hairpin. The adventure of life is all about taking chances. Baekhyun is going to take as many as he can for the next 400 years, so he knocks on the door and waits.

@key-ia

[key-ia]

The moon and the sun were not exactly friends but also not enemies. Key did not know exactly how the relationship worked between the two entities but he had a vague idea. One could not exist without the other and so it was an everlasting balancing game. Or that was how he had started to understand it. In the end he was just a mere immortal in a world of Heavenly entities. “You pay as a client” Key answered briskly and then hummed as to give his statement a bit more energy. He did not do errands for students, but he did do jobs. When they interested them.

Baekhyun was foolish not to be worried about the vice-principle. While he would not hurt a student there was not a purely ‘good’ person in front of the other. Key, like many creatures here, worked on his own set of morals and did not concern himself with what the world thought to be right- no, he had his own right and wrong.

Right now, however, Baek had nothing to fear from Key for he was not out for the other’s soul or anything- this was a simple fetch quest. “I would like a lock of your hair and a vial of your blood as payment.” he stated as he looked at the younger and as he got up he somehow felt taller and his eyes more devious than the calm cool eyes he had as a teacher. He was the merchant after all- a man who many older creatures knew only by reputation. Oh- and how he loved to slip back in that persona like a comfortable pair of pants.

“Well, do we have a deal? Child of the Sun?”

[baekhyunx-ia]

Baekhyun tilted his head, that was kind of an odd request. Since the gift of life was given to him, he hasn’t seen another of his kind around. A lock of hair and a vial of blood from a Sunsprite must be rare. His main goal, while he has time, is to live to the fullest. He does not want regrets of any kind haunting his consciousness while he goes through this life. Finding the hairpin is at the top of his ‘To-do” list.

Mother Sun never said to not trust those under Mother Moon, but she never told him not to eat mushrooms either. He definitely had to learn about his allergy to them quickly. He had to learn that about certain flowers also. She trusts her children to make the most of their lives and doesn’t interfere. This could be his one chance to find her gift. He would like to make the deal official, but he needs more information.

“This may be my first century, I may have many lessons waiting for me as I continue through this life; what exactly does a deal entail? I know what I can gain from accepting this, but I also know I have a lot to lose.” Baekhyun intertwined his hands together and hoped that asking this question wouldn’t offend the vice-principal; that is not the goal.

Baekhyun is not naïve to the fact that he will not live a long life here on Earth. Other beings have a much longer lifespan than he does, so servitude wouldn’t be ideal. He also doesn’t know why a lock of his hair or a vial of his blood would help anyone do anything. As long as this deal doesn’t hurt him now or in the future, then it might be a small price to pay for his hairpin.

@key-ia

[ethirdil-ia]

Looking for something we can't find { baek & ethir }

[ethirdil-ia]

The elf straightened his shirt as they entered the venue- it was a large park behind a museum and he looked around as he gestured Baekhyun to follow- they had found the key of the gates on the grounds (lucky, as always). The venue was off-limits in the evening and Ethirdil wanted to see it at night since the whole idea was a midnight wedding. “Well,” he said to Baekhyun as they walked through the park. It was all neatly kept and the plants around them were mostly poisonous and most likely deadly (lovely).

“I think it is pretty, right? Would his family think that I am threatening them with death? I mean I am but is there… plausible deniability?” He laughed- the sound was a bit too loud for where they were but Ethir did not seem to sense danger as others did (his friends might say he lacked the braincells for it). “I think Gus is way too paranoid about upsetting his parents, you know, he always is up in arms about it and I don’t know…” the elf shrugged as he watched the other and looked for some sense of what the other thought.

“What’s your family like anyway?” he took a right and looked at a beautiful open space surrounded by trees and in the back the museum building stood- it was an older building. It showed in the way it was built- but it was well kept and the love people had for the building showed through. “Mine doesn’t care much- or well my mother cares a lot but dad doesn’t. He just wants to keep his fans happy that is about it. But the family of my fiance- they care a lot, like a lot lot.”

He paused as he stared at the museum, eyes following the lines of the building. He wondered what the parents of August would think about the building- he could not imagine they would approve of a place like this. Probably wanted something cold and corporate, but this was his wedding and that of August.

“Do you think an elephant would fit through that gate?”

[baekhyunx-ia]

Going outside at night is not something the sunsprite has ever wanted to do, but his friend invited him to hang out. With Mother Moon high in the sky, seeing all the distant stars, and being surrounded by Mother Moon’s children, Baekhyun is a little worried. Despite all that, the area is really beautiful. There also is plausible deniability, but Baekhyun hasn’t met either of their parents. If Baekhyun had a child and they wanted to get married here, he wouldn’t think anything of it since the wedding isn’t for him. The wedding is for them, and they should feel happy the whole day. How can they do that if they aren’t happy with the venue?

When Ethirdil asked about his family, Baekhyun wasn’t really sure what to say. It’s not often that Mother Sun gives a Sunsprite her blessing. He hasn’t seen another sunsprite since he started his journey. Listening to Ethirdil talk about his father makes the sunsprite sad. His friend is so nice, it’s not fair that his father doesn’t care. Why are these “fans” more important than his son?

An elephant? Baekhyun stopped in his tracks to look at the gate. If elephants are still as big as Baekhyun thinks they are, then they would need assistance getting in through the gate.

“I’m not sure it would be a comfortable fit for the elephant, but you could try it. Just be gentle, we don’t want to hurt the elephant or upset it. Raging elephants are not fun to be around, so I’ve heard.” Baekhyun didn’t stray too far from his friend’s side. This is the second time he’s followed Ethirdil into Mother Moon’s home.

“I don't really have family besides Mother Sun. She doesn’t give blessings of life often, but when she does it’s for a good reason. I’m really lucky that I was chosen for this wonderful experience.” Baekhyun beams as he talks about Mother Sun. He chose his words carefully though; he doesn’t want to offend Mother Moon while visiting her home.

[august-ia]

Sunsprite & sunshine ~ august & baekhyun

[baekhyunx-ia]

Hopeless isn’t a word he would use to describe himself, but Baekhyun is frustrated. Out of all the classes he chose for this year, never did he think this is the class he’d be the worst at. Choosing Archery had been one of his first choices, simply because Archery is awesome! He didn’t think it would be so hard. The worst part has to be that everyone can see he’s trying really hard to figure this out. He’s not slacking, and he didn’t figure this would be an easy ‘A’; but darn it, he just wants to be good at Archery!

Maybe he just needs to practice more… He pays attention in this class more than his other ones, so it can’t be that. Sometimes he hears his peers say something about how to hold the bow, so it doesn’t break, and it just goes right over Baekhyun’s head. Since the start of the year, Baekhyun now has his third bow since he snapped one and burned the other one. Thankfully, the arrows that he did successfully shoot landed a few feet in front of the targets and not in his peers around him. That would be the cake icing.

Putting away his bow, after another unsuccessful class, Baekhyun sighed. This is by far his favorite class, but maybe Mother Sun doesn’t want him to succeed here. She has given him so many gifts for his adventure, here on Earth, and he will always be thankful to her. His sour mood evaporated immediately when he heard a familiar voice behind him. Baekhyun turned, a nice bright smile adorning his face, and greeted August warmly.

“Hi! Yes, how could I forget!” Baekhyun locked up his bow and stood up.

“Yeah! That sounds like fun!” Baekhyun smiled, happier about the fact that August appears to be healthier now. He was so worried about August and Ethirdil because of the incident. It’s totally unfair what August went through, and Baekhyun still hasn’t figured out why it happened in the first place.

@august-ia

[august-ia]

How could one forget August indeed. He tended to be overly excited, extroverted, and never quiet. But Baekhyun had met the opposite of him that day in the caves, he was probably in for quite a surprise once the fairy got started. "Great! I know this really good sushi place- Sanori took me there on one of my first days at the Academy, do you know Sanori? He used to live in the dorm next to me but then I had to move dorms because I kinda annoyed my old roommate and then I started rooming with this big naum and he's been nice so far, he has a puppy but the puppy is actually a robot and I'm not sure how to feel about that, we don't really have that much technology at home since we live in the woods," he was barely taking a breath between all of the words pouring out of him.

While all of that was happening, he was already taking the lead on where they should head once Baekhyun was ready. He tended to never have that talk with people back and forth about what to do or where to go- if the other person didn't come up with anything, he surely would in the matter of seconds. No I don't knows. "Anyway, how long have you been taking Archery classes? I'm so jealous, I come here to watch because my parents would never let me take a class like this," although he could be considered an adult, in his family, elders had full control over pretty much everything the younger generation did until they had proven themselves worthy of autonomy. August was far from that and was watched more closely than others.

"I know my way around a bow though so if you ever need help.." his voice trailed off as he tucked his hands in the pockets of his skinny jeans, flashing the other a bright smile. He was hoping they could perhaps bond over something like this, he'd never had a chance to have someone to discuss archery or bows with and it was one of his favorite pastimes.

[baekhyunx-ia]

Baekhyun immediately likes this August the most. Robot puppies, naum’s, and living in the woods, he’s listening to August intently. The Sunsprite also doesn’t know how he feels about robot puppies, but he bets its really cute. He’s also willing to follow August to wherever he wants to go eat. He hasn’t met a food he hasn’t liked- except maybe chocolate ice cream.

“Honestly, I could use the help. I’m not very good at it and I think the instructor has given up on me.” Baekhyun tugged on his bag, slung across his shoulder and sighed. It’s not that he doesn’t try, archery is just a bit more difficult than he thought it was.

“I’ve never held a bow before taking this class, I think that’s left me at a disadvantage. The rest of my classmates are probably secret professionals; they’re doing so much better than me. Thankfully, I haven’t hit anything yet.” The ‘I haven't hit any classmates’ went unsaid but was implied.

The Sunsprite followed close behind August, not wanting to lose him as they made their way to the sushi place. The human friend he use to stay with loved sushi, so Baekhyun is pretty familiar with it. He hasn’t had any since then, but he’d follow August almost anywhere. It’s really nice to see August so lively and talkative.

“I have discovered that I’m better at making different things rather than using weapons. Not that I’ve been in a lot of fights, but the ones I have been in were more of a close combat situation. Which,” Baekhyun raised a hand to emphasis his next fact, “I am also not great at. Just good enough to survive really.”

“But tell me more about you! I would love to hear about the things you love to do. You seem to love Archery, why won’t your parents let you take the class?” Baekhyun asked. For someone who seems to love the sport, it doesn’t seem fair that August isn’t allowed to take the class.

[baekhyunx-ia]

Baekhyun perked up, if that was even possible, and seemed to beam at Achti. It certainly has been a long time; Baekhyun hasn’t changed much, but Achti has. That being said, how can a Sunsprite turn down an offer to follow an old friend? Baekhyun turned around to grab the other sun catcher he put down on the ground and followed Achti.

“I love when the sun is so bright. It almost feels like home! Something that hasn’t changed since I’ve seen you last is my love for Mother Sun.” Baekhyun chuckled as he followed closely, still keeping a little space between his friend.

“Something that has changed is I met a human friend that makes these things-” Baekhyun held up the sun catcher in the shape of a sun with a smiley face on it. The other one he’s holding looks like a snail, also with a smiley face.

“These are really fun! They capture sunlight and make rainbows on the ground. It’s really cool technology.” Baekhyun pulled the two sun catchers together, showing Achti the rainbows on the ground. The human technology of the Sun catcher probably isn’t interesting to Achti, which is totally fine.

“Have you been on any fun adventures since the last time I saw you?” Baekhyun asked.

Honestly, the Sunsprite isn’t expecting an answer. Despite not knowing exactly what Achti has been through, it would be ridiculous for Baekhyun to think nothing has happened throughout the years. Had Baekhyun known he was going to run into Achti today, he would have made him a gift. He’s getting quite good at making art with glass. He’s found that he’s naturally good at it. Even now Baekhyun is thinking about things he could make as a gift for Achti in the future.

[achti-ia]

Achti would not state the obvious: he preferred Mother Moon. He might not be a gentle creature anymore but he did have elegance and manners etched into every part of him, so deeply that even in his worst moments he still had tact. So, although he did not prefer Mother Sun, he let himself hum in acknowledgement of the other's words. That was alright, it meant.

Pale eyes scanned the sun catchers, or even more so, the rainbows on the ground that they created. His mind floated somewhere far away, to a distant time. His gaze becoming glassy, nostalgia gripped his bones as he thought of home. The clear water, the marble, the clouds, the sun.. something about the sun catchers brought all those memories of comfort back but instead of wrapping him in a soft blanket, it felt like he was being dunked in cold water. "Beautiful work," he complimented eventually, his tone even and giving away none of his internal struggle. He looked composed, like nothing at all affected him. Not even the other's joy, unfortunately.

Perhaps he would have wanted one for himself. But no, he shouldn't have anything that reminded him of a time when he was different. When things were different. "I have had many adventures indeed," he would have elaborated if he had anything to tell- most of it was driven by revenge, a ball of negativity growing within him year after year even when others said time healed wounds. Instead, time had made him more wicked.

Fun. Did he remember how to have fun? He dug around in his brain but the word felt unfamiliar, forgotten. He adjusted the thin fabric of his makeshift hood again, like he was hiding away from such intrusive questions- questions that normally did not matter but felt like an attempt to be read at full to him. "Ah, remind me dear Sunsprite, do you like to swim?" he abruptly changed the subject, seeing water on the horizon.

[baekhyunx-ia]

“Sometimes, only with friends though, I don’t think I would ever go in by myself. Funny enough, you actually taught me how to swim!” Baekhyun proclaimed. He played with his sun catcher, catching all the rays he could.

“Well…”  Baekhyun said after thinking about it for a moment, “You taught me how to keep my head up. You used to laugh at my unconventional form. I’m not very good at it, but I was always safe swimming with you.” Baekhyun shrugged.

The only time the sunsprite was interested in swimming was with Achti. He never really had a reason to care about swimming before meeting his friend. When he lost contact with Achti, he never really thought about swimming again. Baekhyun can’t recall the last time he actually went swimming without Achti, if there ever was such a time. Even when he lived with his human friend for a while and took care of their greenhouse, Baekhyun never really hung out around the pool.

“I do have a new hobby though! My favorite hobby of bother- I mean meeting other people has become my second favorite hobby. I have learned that I’m quite good at making glass things. I am naturally gifted at it! Or at least that’s what Mother Sun says. I’m not sure if she’s bluffing or if I’m actually good at it, but it’s very fun!” Baekhyun exclaimed. During his time on Earth, Baekhyun has found that there are so many things to do and so many things to learn, he’s not sure he’ll have enough time to see it all. That’s not something he likes thinking about; after all, he’s still quite young.

Unfortunately, Baekhyun has noticed that something is different with his friend. That’s to be expected; they haven’t seen each other in so long. That’s normal, to progress through life and evolve. Can they still be friends? Baekhyun is really hopeful. The Sunsprite has also changed, throughout the years, so maybe it isn’t as different as he thinks it is.

[baekhyunx-ia]

Excitement isn't the right word to describe how he's feeling at this moment. Despite a few major changes, Achti looks exactly how Baekhyun remembered him. He clutched his sun catcher tightly, he's not worried about Achti remembering him. It's been many, many years since they've seen each other after all. Something has changed in those wonderful, highly sensitive eyes. Baekhyun just can't quite put his finger on what.

"No- I mean it's so... Ah I knew that was you! It's been a long time!" Baekhyun stuttered for a moment, a huge smile placed on his face.

"We met many years ago, I'm so happy to see you! I could sing! But I won't because I don't want to hurt your eyes, I still remember!" Baekhyun laughed as he poked himself on his temple.

"My name is Baekhyun, I am a Sunsprite!" He hoped that was enough to jog Achti's memory. Baekhyun hasn't seen many Sunsprites since coming to live on Earth.

"How are you?!" Baekhyun asked excitedly, he stayed where he was. Some people like to have their space bubbles and Baekhyun isn't sure if Achti would appreciate it if the Sunsprite were to pop his bubble without permission.

[achti-ia]

He let the other talk with calculated patience, finding him rather odd at first. His eyebrows were the slightest bit pinched together on his otherwise perfectly neutral expression as he attempted to fetch the memories the other was talking about. "It must have been a while," his voice was uncertain and one wouldn't be able to tell whether he said that to the other or simply to himself. There were times he didn't realise how much time he'd lost by forgetting years of his life, practically erasing them completely.

His gaze lowered to the ground as small flashes of something flooded his brain but he couldn't yet make sense of what it was exactly. "A sunsprite," he muttered, something about it feeling familiar and warm. Then, he sighed and turned, ready to continue on his way. Unlike before, he had began to despise small-talk when it was directed at him. Questions like how are you were far too complex to discuss in a casual manner. "Are you coming?" he called over his shoulder, assuming the other would follow, completely dodging whether he remembered the other or not. Perhaps he was a little too used to people doing what he wanted by now, abusing his siren side more than he should. But, betrayal changes people.

"It is a beautiful city," he hummed, looking up at the buildings as much as he could through squinted eyes. The ground beneath his feet felt warm, almost unbearably so. "It must be a proud day for you, the sun is beaming."

[baekhyunx-ia]

Baekhyun perked up, if that was even possible, and seemed to beam at Achti. It certainly has been a long time; Baekhyun hasn’t changed much, but Achti has. That being said, how can a Sunsprite turn down an offer to follow an old friend? Baekhyun turned around to grab the other sun catcher he put down on the ground and followed Achti.

“I love when the sun is so bright. It almost feels like home! Something that hasn’t changed since I’ve seen you last is my love for Mother Sun.” Baekhyun chuckled as he followed closely, still keeping a little space between his friend.

“Something that has changed is I met a human friend that makes these things-” Baekhyun held up the sun catcher in the shape of a sun with a smiley face on it. The other one he’s holding looks like a snail, also with a smiley face.

“These are really fun! They capture sunlight and make rainbows on the ground. It’s really cool technology.” Baekhyun pulled the two sun catchers together, showing Achti the rainbows on the ground. The human technology of the Sun catcher probably isn’t interesting to Achti, which is totally fine.

“Have you been on any fun adventures since the last time I saw you?” Baekhyun asked.

Honestly, the Sunsprite isn’t expecting an answer. Despite not knowing exactly what Achti has been through, it would be ridiculous for Baekhyun to think nothing has happened throughout the years. Had Baekhyun known he was going to run into Achti today, he would have made him a gift. He’s getting quite good at making art with glass. He’s found that he’s naturally good at it. Even now Baekhyun is thinking about things he could make as a gift for Achti in the future.

[baekhyunx-ia]

The Golden Hairpin

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Long ago, when he was given the opportunity to live on this world for a while, Mother Sun gave him a hairpin. It was no ordinary hairpin; it was a gift to help him during this adventure. The first winter Baekhyun experienced on Earth was the most difficult. Normally, during spring and summer, Baekhyun feels weak at night. The night is Mother Moon’s realm. He wasn’t prepared for seeing Mother Sun less in winter and how uncomfortable it would make him feel. The gift from Mother Sun, that took the form of a beautiful golden hairpin. It wasn’t real gold, not the mineral at least. It took it’s color from the brightest of Mother Sun’s rays.

The hairpin was essential for Baekhyun. He always made sure it was with him while he traveled around the Earth. 90 years into his adventure of life, the hairpin was stolen from him. He’s long since lost hope of finding the gift again, especially when he found his human friend that gave him a place to stay. When winter returns to the hemisphere, Baekhyun reminisces about his golden hairpin.

Then, as Baekhyun is mourning the loss of his hairpin, a thought occurs to him. Baekhyun is naturally a very curious Sunsprite. Since beginning a new adventure in the Academy, Baekhyun has asked many students questions about the classes and the faculty. One faculty member might be able to help him! Mr. Kim is the Vice Principal of the academy; he is also the Keeper of Artifacts. Although his hairpin isn’t something Baekhyun believes to be monetarily valuable, maybe Mr. Kim can help him find it. Or at least give him an idea of where to look. Worst case scenario, the hairpin is lost to the Earth. The least Baekhyun can do for Mother Sun is try to find the gift she gave him. With new energy, Baekhyun jumps up from his bed and heads down to the academy.

Standing outside of Mr. Kim’s office makes a chill run down his spine. Maybe this is a mistake, his hairpin could be lost forever. Baekhyun takes a deep breath, this is a chance he’s willing to take. The worst that could happen is the Vice principal laughing at him for asking about a golden hairpin. The adventure of life is all about taking chances. Baekhyun is going to take as many as he can for the next 400 years, so he knocks on the door and waits.

@key-ia

[key-ia]

A soft hum indicated the other was correct about his occupation here at the academy. It was a good thing he barely needed to sleep or he wouldn’t be able to get anything done around here with how much he had on his plate. “You’re rambing,” he pointed out to the other as he kept chatting about something- an item?

Ninety years was long in human time but not for him, he looked at the other still uninterested. “Powerful things can be small,” he said, not to make the other feel better or anything but just as a fact. He sighed and then looked up at the mention of it being ‘made of sunlight’.

“When you say it was made of sunlight, is that a metaphor or is it actually made of sunshine?” he asked as he frowned at the other and then nodded as he recalled the other’s student information. Being from the sun and having an artifact from there made sense. “Items from the sun are incredibly rare,” he said as he got up finally interested. “I would be able to find it if I knew a general location and we would have to work together since it belongs to you, it won’t answer to me.” He paused as he tapped his fingers together a few times.

“My alliance is with the Moon, so it might be a bit harder. Ah… Do you ask me as a student or as a… client?” he asked and tilted his head slightly. “I won’t be able to help you if its a question from a student, as a client however…”

[baekhyunx-ia]

Originally, Baekhyun was worried that asking for help from Key was a long shot. Not only is the other being a very busy person, that Baekhyun doesn’t really want to bother, but he aligns with the Moon. While Baekhyun doesn’t hate those under the Moon’s protection, he is wary of them. Mostly the things that he’s allergic to make him nervous. Also, he lost the pin. Although this could be a test from Mother Sun, Baekhyun would highly doubt it. Mother Sun isn’t usually so literal with her lessons.

“Is it inappropriate if a student were to request your help as a client? Is there anything specific I need to do to become a client?” Baekhyun really doesn’t feel like signing away the next hundred years of his life or somehow agreeing to a lifetime of service or anything else he might accidentally agree to. Key isn’t someone Baekhyun is truly worried about; he would rather show proper respect. He doesn’t want to come across as a rude or horrible student, he just really wants help finding his pin.

“Is there anything you would need as an offering of some kind? Or payment?” Baekhyun doesn’t know a lot about offerings, he also doesn’t have a lot of money. Sometimes he burns memories under Mother Sun’s light. Usually, it’s the things that he wants to show Mother Sun. Although there aren’t a lot of Sunsprites given the gift of life, sometimes Baekhyun is worried she can’t see him very well. She seems so far away. Maybe that’s why losing this pin hurts so much.

[baekhyunx-ia]

Timeless Mellifluence

Pointing his new Suncatcher toward Mother Sun, Baekhyun walked confidently away from his time. Now that he’s spent a little time not worrying about his classes or any other responsibilities he may have, it's time to return to the academy. Using these little suncatchers, Baekhyun has decorated the walls of his room along with light-activated sticky shapes scattered everywhere. This new fox-shaped suncatcher will fit in nicely!

Throughout his travels, Baekhyun has seen many adorable and amazing animals. He’s also met many adorable and amazing people all throughout the world. Losing people became a part of his adventure. Not that he would lose people on purpose, but sometimes his path would take him on a different journey. It would be nice to see some of his older friends again, but this is a new life. Hopefully, there are new adventures waiting for him during his time at the academy.

Baekhyun stopped in his tracks when he noticed someone walking toward him, someone familiar. As the man walked, Baekhyun thought hard about where he recognizes the other from. The man walks past him and still Baekhyun can’t place it. The man is walking barefoot, Baekhyun notices as he turns around to watch the man for a moment more. A faint melody from many years ago whispers in his ear. The beauty of it impossible to forget entirely, an immortal euphony.

Achti?

The man is quickly getting away from Baekhyun, he quickly follows behind. Dark doubts cloud his mind, what if the man doesn’t remember him? What if this isn't Achti, his hair is a lot darker than Baekhyun remembers. Never mind those pesky thoughts, Baekhyun has to try. Baekhyun carefully maneuvers around the other people walking around, reaching out to Achti. He quickly pulls his hand back and called out to the other man instead. One thing Baekhyun learned quickly during his travels is that some people hate being touch. He reached out to the wrong person one time and got his first experience with headbutt, that hurt.

“Achti?” Baekhyun calls out, loud enough for the older man to hear. Even if this man isn’t the one he knows, at least Baekhyun reached out to try.

@achti-ia

[achti-ia]

Being out during the day wasn't ideal. He tended to avoid it at least until the sun was setting a little bit, which was why his sleeping habits were a little bit outside of the norm; he would stay up most of the night and sleep at least until midday. Slow "mornings" were his forte, and he'd only leave his place once his retinas weren't about to burn the moment he stepped outside.

The reason for his barefootedness was very simple; he felt more grounded that way, when he felt grass under his feet. He tended to walk beside pavements, on the grassy patches instead, letting leaves tickle his feet. That was what he had always been used to, so long ago in his hometown. Whenever necessary, he would wear something more appropriate, but for a simple walk he'd let himself be.. himself. Still, he wore white and grey flowy clothes that reached to his feet and covered his pale arms, looking much like a mirage on a desert. It all contrasted well with his intense black hair and the kohl around his eyes.

With his head down, he'd been humming a tune during his walk, glancing every which way now and then to see where he was going, wandering mostly aimlessly. He was committing buildings to memory rather than paying attention to the people around him, until he heard his own name. The demigod-siren turned, a slight frown creasing his eyebrow. Distantly, there was something familiar about the person before him, but the feeling was so distant he wasn't sure if it was simply that someone looked like them. "Yes?" he asked, puzzled.

There were many things about his past that he had buried. A lot of it was memories, some of them were chunks of years, lost somewhere in the depths of his mind. Somewhere in there, was the memory of them, just slightly out of reach. "Something I can do for you?"

[baekhyunx-ia]

Excitement isn't the right word to describe how he's feeling at this moment. Despite a few major changes, Achti looks exactly how Baekhyun remembered him. He clutched his sun catcher tightly, he's not worried about Achti remembering him. It's been many, many years since they've seen each other after all. Something has changed in those wonderful, highly sensitive eyes. Baekhyun just can't quite put his finger on what.

"No- I mean it's so... Ah I knew that was you! It's been a long time!" Baekhyun stuttered for a moment, a huge smile placed on his face.

"We met many years ago, I'm so happy to see you! I could sing! But I won't because I don't want to hurt your eyes, I still remember!" Baekhyun laughed as he poked himself on his temple.

"My name is Baekhyun, I am a Sunsprite!" He hoped that was enough to jog Achti's memory. Baekhyun hasn't seen many Sunsprites since coming to live on Earth.

"How are you?!" Baekhyun asked excitedly, he stayed where he was. Some people like to have their space bubbles and Baekhyun isn't sure if Achti would appreciate it if the Sunsprite were to pop his bubble without permission.

[baekhyunx-ia]

Timeless Mellifluence

Pointing his new Suncatcher toward Mother Sun, Baekhyun walked confidently away from the vendors. Now that he’s spent a little time not worrying about his classes or any other responsibilities he may have, it's time to return to the academy. Using these little suncatchers, Baekhyun has decorated the walls of his room along with light-activated sticky shapes scattered everywhere. This new fox-shaped suncatcher will fit in nicely!

Throughout his travels, Baekhyun has seen many adorable and amazing animals. He’s also met many adorable and amazing people all throughout the world. Losing people became a part of his adventure. Not that he would lose people on purpose, but sometimes his path would take him on a different journey. It would be nice to see some of his older friends again, but this is a new life. Hopefully, there are new adventures waiting for him during his time at the academy.

Baekhyun stopped in his tracks when he noticed someone walking toward him, someone familiar. As the man walked, Baekhyun thought hard about where he recognizes the other from. The man walks past him and still Baekhyun can’t place it. The man is walking barefoot, Baekhyun notices as he turns around to watch the man for a moment more. A faint melody from many years ago whispers in his ear. The beauty of it impossible to forget entirely, an immortal euphony.

Achti?

The man is quickly getting away from Baekhyun, he quickly follows behind. Dark doubts cloud his mind, what if the man doesn’t remember him? What if this isn't Achti, his hair is a lot darker than Baekhyun remembers. Never mind those pesky thoughts, Baekhyun has to try. Baekhyun carefully maneuvers around the other people walking around, reaching out to Achti. He quickly pulls his hand back and called out to the other man instead. One thing Baekhyun learned quickly during his travels is that some people hate being touch. He reached out to the wrong person one time and got his first experience with headbutt, that hurt.

“Achti?” Baekhyun calls out, loud enough for the older man to hear. Even if this man isn’t the one he knows, at least Baekhyun reached out to try.

@achti-ia

[baekhyunx-ia]

The Golden Hairpin

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Long ago, when he was given the opportunity to live on this world for a while, Mother Sun gave him a hairpin. It was no ordinary hairpin; it was a gift to help him during this adventure. The first winter Baekhyun experienced on Earth was the most difficult. Normally, during spring and summer, Baekhyun feels weak at night. The night is Mother Moon’s realm. He wasn’t prepared for seeing Mother Sun less in winter and how uncomfortable it would make him feel. The gift from Mother Sun, that took the form of a beautiful golden hairpin. It wasn’t real gold, not the mineral at least. It took it’s color from the brightest of Mother Sun’s rays.

The hairpin was essential for Baekhyun. He always made sure it was with him while he traveled around the Earth. 90 years into his adventure of life, the hairpin was stolen from him. He’s long since lost hope of finding the gift again, especially when he found his human friend that gave him a place to stay. When winter returns to the hemisphere, Baekhyun reminisces about his golden hairpin.

Then, as Baekhyun is mourning the loss of his hairpin, a thought occurs to him. Baekhyun is naturally a very curious Sunsprite. Since beginning a new adventure in the Academy, Baekhyun has asked many students questions about the classes and the faculty. One faculty member might be able to help him! Mr. Kim is the Vice Principal of the academy; he is also the Keeper of Artifacts. Although his hairpin isn’t something Baekhyun believes to be monetarily valuable, maybe Mr. Kim can help him find it. Or at least give him an idea of where to look. Worst case scenario, the hairpin is lost to the Earth. The least Baekhyun can do for Mother Sun is try to find the gift she gave him. With new energy, Baekhyun jumps up from his bed and heads down to the academy.

Standing outside of Mr. Kim’s office makes a chill run down his spine. Maybe this is a mistake, his hairpin could be lost forever. Baekhyun takes a deep breath, this is a chance he’s willing to take. The worst that could happen is the Vice principal laughing at him for asking about a golden hairpin. The adventure of life is all about taking chances. Baekhyun is going to take as many as he can for the next 400 years, so he knocks on the door and waits.

@key-ia

[key-ia]

The hall of the artifacts is long and closed off when there is no staff around- luckily for most students some of the teachers that were no longer in the land of the living were here a lot so usually it was open for viewing and studying in the quiet hum of the magical items. Ninim, known to the students as Mr. Key, was here a lot the past few months. The solitude was sometimes unnerving when he was at home but here it was fine- here he did not feel so alone in the company of all the things.

He used to be known as ‘the merchant’ and collected many things from around the world to sell. His own ‘humble’ beginnings. It had led him here- all the knowledge he had gained and the allies he had made both with the lighter species as well as those from the worlds below. He was a well-known entity and most knew where to find him if they needed something. These days it was less requested- since his responsibilities as vice-principal were taking over most of his time.

He had been sitting in the same position too long- bend over the desk to clean a small pendant he had gotten in the mail from an old friend. It was a merfolk artifact and his friend had requested him to clean it up and check the magic still remaining in the little thing. It was fine- he did not think anyone messed with it. Just long forgotten and now up for a new life. Getting up he decided it was time for lunch and a small walk- he needed to keep moving. He might be immortal but he would not be the first elf to sit for so long that he petrified.

As he got up and closed the hall behind him he played with the pendant and in his other hand he held a few books. The elf was always dressed in some sort of white or blue robe in the academy- to signify he was important and magical. Today he wore a white set that accentuated his lilac eyes.  What was that? Someone was at his door. “Hello,” he greeted the student as he approached and unlocked his office with a light touch and opened it for the young man next to him.

He tried to think- who was this? Ah- “Baekhyun,” Key said as he put the books down on the desk in his office. The office was clean but shelves filled with books and magical things lined the walls. “What can I do for you today?” he asked as he let the necklace with the pendant glide over his head and then looked at the other curiously.

“Problem with one of the teachers?” He hoped not, they were short-staffed as it was and he was tired of having the same ‘do not fuck students’ conversation every few months. The amount of times he had to look someone in the eyes and explain the power imbalance was concerning.

[baekhyunx-ia]

"Hello, Mr. Kim!" Baekhyun took that as an invitation to walk in.

"No, nothing like that. I was wondering- Well I heard that you are the Keeper of Artifacts here on campus. Well. I don't know if the thing I lost could be considered an "artifact" since it's not necessarily old. Is 100 years considered old on Earth? No, cause that would mean that I am old; that's certainly not true-" Baekhyun cut himself off and shook his head. All this rambling won't help him and it's not polite to waste Mr. Kim's time.

"I lost something that was given to me a little over 90 years ago. I never recovered it while on my adventures since coming to the Academy. Then I settled here and kind of gave up looking, then I remembered that maybe you can help? I know you're very busy and I don't think my hairpin is very valuable... It's also quite small..." Baekhyun trailed off again, regretting coming here in the first place. His hairpin wasn't real gold and it wasn't large. The person who took it from him probably discarded it when they realized it wasn't monetarily valuable.

"I came to Earth with a hairpin made from sunlight. It was gold in appearance, but it wasn't the mineral that people from this planet call gold. I was hoping you might be able to help me find it." Baekhyun clasped his hands in front of him and waited for Mr. Kim's response.

@key-ia

[august-ia]

Sunsprite & sunshine ~ august & baekhyun

[august-ia]

August had come to watch the archery class plenty of times, dreaming of joining in. His parents would never allow him to, they said there were more important things to learn, like how to run a business and be successful. They demanded a lot from him and fun and his enjoyment was not on that list. So instead, he'd watch the class and practice on his spare time. Years ago, one of the elders back home had given him their bow after they'd seen how interested in it he was; ever since, he'd practiced endlessly in the forest and even learned to make his own arrows.

Today was no exception. He'd watched half of the class, arriving a little late because of a class of his own. This time he'd paid extra attention on one person though; Baekhyun. He was now able to connect the face to the name his best friend had spoken plenty of times; that was Yeosang's roommate. Ethirdil knew him. He hadn't expected the circles to be so small- and yet somehow the two had never really crossed paths.

He owed Baekhyun though, big time. He'd been a big part of saving the fairy from whatever those creepy things were that had captured him in the first place. August was so grateful about it, yet he hadn't had the chance to thank him properly. So he waited until the class was over to speed walk over to him before he could get away, grinning widely when he reached him. "Hi!" he greeted brightly. "August," he pointed at himself, unsure whether the other would recognise him without the blood, dirty hair, and teary eyes. He'd been a proper mess last time. "Wanna grab lunch? A drink? It's on me, I kinda owe you a thanks."

@baekhyunx-ia

[baekhyunx-ia]

Hopeless isn’t a word he would use to describe himself, but Baekhyun is frustrated. Out of all the classes he chose for this year, never did he think this is the class he’d be the worst at. Choosing Archery had been one of his first choices, simply because Archery is awesome! He didn’t think it would be so hard. The worst part has to be that everyone can see he’s trying really hard to figure this out. He’s not slacking, and he didn’t figure this would be an easy ‘A’; but darn it, he just wants to be good at Archery!

Maybe he just needs to practice more… He pays attention in this class more than his other ones, so it can’t be that. Sometimes he hears his peers say something about how to hold the bow, so it doesn’t break, and it just goes right over Baekhyun’s head. Since the start of the year, Baekhyun now has his third bow since he snapped one and burned the other one. Thankfully, the arrows that he did successfully shoot landed a few feet in front of the targets and not in his peers around him. That would be the cake icing.

Putting away his bow, after another unsuccessful class, Baekhyun sighed. This is by far his favorite class, but maybe Mother Sun doesn’t want him to succeed here. She has given him so many gifts for his adventure, here on Earth, and he will always be thankful to her. His sour mood evaporated immediately when he heard a familiar voice behind him. Baekhyun turned, a nice bright smile adorning his face, and greeted August warmly.

“Hi! Yes, how could I forget!” Baekhyun locked up his bow and stood up.

“Yeah! That sounds like fun!” Baekhyun smiled, happier about the fact that August appears to be healthier now. He was so worried about August and Ethirdil because of the incident. It’s totally unfair what August went through, and Baekhyun still hasn’t figured out why it happened in the first place.

@august-ia

[baekhyunx-ia]

The Golden Hairpin

Poke.

Poke.

Poke...

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Long ago, when he was given the opportunity to live on this world for a while, Mother Sun gave him a hairpin. It was no ordinary hairpin; it was a gift to help him during this adventure. The first winter Baekhyun experienced on Earth was the most difficult. Normally, during spring and summer, Baekhyun feels weak at night. The night is Mother Moon’s realm. He wasn’t prepared for seeing Mother Sunless in winter and how uncomfortable it would make him feel. The gift from Mother Sun, that took the form of a beautiful golden hairpin. It wasn’t real gold, not the mineral at least. It took it’s color from the brightest of Mother Sun’s rays.

The hairpin was essential for Baekhyun. He always made sure it was with him while he traveled around the Earth. 90 years into his adventure of life, the hairpin was stolen from him. He’s long since lost hope of finding the gift again, especially when he found his human friend that gave him a place to stay. When winter returns to the hemisphere, Baekhyun reminisces about his golden hairpin.

Then, as Baekhyun is mourning the loss of his hairpin, a thought occurs to him. Baekhyun is naturally a very curious Sunsprite. Since beginning a new adventure in the Academy, Baekhyun has asked many students questions about the classes and the faculty. One faculty member might be able to help him! Mr. Kim is the Vice Principal of the academy; he is also the Keeper of Artifacts. Although his hairpin isn’t something Baekhyun believes to be monetarily valuable, maybe Mr. Kim can help him find it. Or at least give him an idea of where to look. Worst case scenario, the hairpin is lost to the Earth. The least Baekhyun can do for Mother Sun is try to find the gift she gave him. With new energy, Baekhyun jumps up from his bed and heads down to the academy.

Standing outside of Mr. Kim’s office makes a chill run down his spine. Maybe this is a mistake, his hairpin could be lost forever. Baekhyun takes a deep breath, this is a chance he’s willing to take. The worst that could happen is the Vice principal laughing at him for asking about a golden hairpin. The adventure of life is all about taking chances. Baekhyun is going to take as many as he can for the next 400 years, so he knocks on the door and waits.

@key-ia

[baekhyunx-ia]

"No, not a prince. I haven't found a job that I'm good at yet, but I did have a nice human friend that gave me some money. I just spend it carefully." Baekhyun doesn't believe Lee Know at all. If this music box reminded him of something like that, he wouldn't have had that kind of reaction. Baekhyun held the box in his hands and closed it. Looking around the small shop, the two of them were the last customers inside.

"Looks like its closing time, I'm going to go and ring this out." Baekhyun gestured to the register. He figured the mirrorwalker would follow him out. Baekhyun paid for the music box and thanked the shopkeeper. Something twisted Baekhyun's stomach into a knot. It doesn't feel right keep the box when Lee Know had such a reaction to it. He waited for Lee Know outside the shop.

[leeknow-ia]

"That doesn't surprise me," Lee Know rolled his eyes when Baekhyun said he hadn't found a job he was good at. Considering the other had pestered him that one time for help on maths homework, he clearly had just as many skills as Lee Know -- which was to say none. The Mirrorwalker let out a loud sigh and followed Baekhyun to the till. His arms were crossed and his eyes averted.

There were a few more knickknacks in the shop. Aside from music boxes, his dark eyes caught sight of a few old books and some other shiny metal things. Lee Know was not about to touch them and find out and just waited for Baekhyun to finish paying. Once that was done, he headed out of the shop to meet up with his... classmate. Lee Know could not think to call the shining Sunsprite anything but a classmate. "I guess this is like.. where we part, eh?" Lee Know was fine with just walking off on his own, but he also wasn't so much of an asshole that he wouldn't at least give Baekhyun a proper goodbye.

[baekhyunx-ia]

"Yeah, I suppose so." Baekhyun smiled at Lee Know. Surely, he just needs to give the Mirrorwalker time. He looked at the music box in his hands for a moment. Baekhyun doesn't really need to bring it back to his dorm. It wouldn't feel right taking it home now anyway. Despite his original statement, the music box clearly struck a chord with Lee Know.

"Here, you can have this." Baekhyun held out the music box for Lee Know to take. It would give him more joy knowing he was able to give something important to Lee Know, especially since their last interaction wasn't the best one. Maybe this music box can act like an olive branch, like the stories Baekhyun loves to read. Even if Lee Know isn't ready for an olive branch, maybe he'll never be ready for one, that's okay. For now, Baekhyun can offer this music box with no strings attached. That's good enough, so he smiles.

[yeosang-ia]

a quick trip — yeosang & baekhyun

[baekhyunx-ia]

“Sure, we can do that. Let’s go to the fake plant area first and see if there are any that catch your eye?” Baekhyun asked.

He totally doesn’t mind, whatever makes Yeosang the most comfortable is okay with Baekhyun. There are also some really nice colors and many different types of flowers in the fake section. You can also get really pretty rocks and make the vases look very nice. Most importantly, Baekhyun’s favorite part, is that you can make your own arrangement of different types of flowers, and you don’t have to worry about their different needs. Baekhyun leads the two of them to the fake flowers and lets Yeosang take the lead. The flowers are set up in a really nice rainbow with pinks and reds closest to where Baekhyun and Yeosang entered and white, gray, and black flowers sat at the other end of the aisle.

“Let me know what you’re thinking.” Baekhyun said with a smile as he gestured to the very colorful aisle. After Yeosang picks out some flowers, then they’ll go to the arrangement aisle next door to the one they’re in right now.

[yeosang-ia]

"Okay!" Yeosang's chirp was accompanied by a pep in his step as he followed the other to the plant aisle, humming a song he'd made up in his own head. The cloudling clasped his hands behind his back as he trotted after Baekhyun. "Do you like flowers and taking care of things?" Although the inquiry may seem a little out of pocket to others, the cloudling's train of thought was that his preference for not growing flowers stemmed from the fact that he was well aware that he couldn't take care of things well, and having a plant die on his watch would probably be more than heartbreaking for him.

Spotting a fake flower plant with yellows, blues, pinks, and purples, Yeosang immediately gravitated towards it, already turning to his roommate with expectant eyes. "This one! Can we get this one?" The cloudling had never been the type to think things through for too long, and right now wasn't any different.

Blinking at the instructions given to him, Yeosang offered Baekhyun a genuine smile. "I think you're really nice! And I'm glad you were assigned to be my roommate."

[baekhyunx-ia]

"Of course we can get that one, do you want to get it a friend too? Just so when we're both out of the room it won't be lonely?" Baekhyun asked.

Then, Baekhyun thought about the question Yeosang asked him. Does he like taking care of things? When he lived with his old human friend, he helped the man take care of things around his home. He had the most adorable dog and a greenhouse. The man was full of life and always looked for the best in everything.

But does Baekhyun like taking care of things?

He's never really thought about it before. Just like the Sun, Baekhyun just does.

"I suppose I like taking care of things. I never really thought about it." Baekhyun shrugs. Then when Yeosang compliments him, Baekhyun shakes his head and smiles at his roommate.

"Thank you, I'm glad you're my roommate too. I'm sure we'll have a fantastic time together." Baekhyun puts the fake plant in their cart.

[baekhyunx-ia]

Flower Festivities

Baekhyun loves most of the seasons. Winter is difficult for him, simply because there is less daylight. He understands, however, that this is a natural thing for Earth. Fall is a super fun time, especially with all the different festivals. People on Earth are so fun and they are the most creative beings Baekhyun has ever seen. Well... They're the only beings Baekhyun has ever seen, but they've made amazing strides throughout history.

His love for festivals is the reason Baekhyun decided to go out today. He didn't have a particular one in mind, but he stumbled upon a flower festival. This is totally up his "alley" so to speak, so he is definitely going to spend some time here. Baekhyun smiled brightly as he picked a beautiful flower, after paying for it of course, and rested the stem behind his ear. The flower is a gorgeous yellow Calendula. With Mother Sun shining brightly behind him, Baekhyun continued on his adventure. Baekhyun stayed clear of the flowers that were clearly children of the Moon.

Some of the festival goers were dressed up in fun outfits and costumes. Some of them, oddly enough, were dressed like different kinds of mushrooms. Baekhyun stayed clear of them too, just in case. He finds himself basking in the glory of some very tall and beautiful sunflowers. The Sun clearly has the best of Earth's creatures under her kingdom. Then someone tapped him on the shoulder, confused Baekhyun turned around to see a man studying him.

"Hello, can I help you?" Baekhyun asked; the man stayed quiet as he got closer to Baekhyun. Uncomfortably close. Then the man smiled brightly, Baekhyun smiled too although a little unsure. He then turned and called out to the group he must have been with.

"I told you guys! It is him!" The man called out to the group.

"I- I'm sorry, do I know you?" Baekhyun asked quickly, noticing that the group is now headed their way.

"No, but man am I a huge fan! We all are, can we get a picture?" The man turned back to him and gripped him excitedly. "I-I'm sorry, I think you are mistaken. I'm just a student-" Baekhyun pulled his arms, gently, away from the man. Then the rest of the group is upon them. Normally, Baekhyun loves to talk to and meet new people. Right now, however, it's too overwhelming. So, Baekhyun does something he hasn't done in a while. He turns around and runs away. Unfortunately, he doesn't make it very far. He ends up smacking into another festival goer and knocking them over.

"Oh my Sun, I'm so sorry!" Baekhyun forgets his own discomfort and immediately starts fussing over the person he accidentally smacked into.

@minwoo-ia

[ethirdil-ia]

A snowy escape { Baek,August,Ethir }

[ethirdil-ia]

Ethirdil would be horrified if anyone thought his fiance didn’t look amazing since Ethirdil deserved the best and only the best (which August was). Though in this specific circumstance he would agree that August had looked better. As they walked (stumbled) out of there Ethir whispered to August “You have dramatic ways to try to get out of this engagement.” a jest- he had to joke about it or he would throw up with how scared he was.

As another monster came towards them Ethirdil wondered what the fuck this place even was and why they wanted his August. There was no rhyme or reason for this- or well, that was what Ethir thought but he was never very good at making connections. If one would put him in an escape room he would just live there forever.

“August what the FUCK,” he hissed as the other suddenly played the hero and stood in front of him. Ethirdil was here to save August not the other way around- way to steal his shine!

Luckily, the lord of luck, had luck. It was then that things were dire- with Baekhyun fighting with fire and August doing… Whatever the fuck he was doing. Ethir didn’t really know that the system of hallways started to shake and moan as an earthquake hit. Ethir pulled August away from the creature and two beams of steal fell on top of the monster they were fighting and on top of the one that Baekhyun was turning into a roasted snack.

Hiding August’s face against the dust and snow that fell down Ethir closed his eyes too. His will ‘o whisp appearing as they suddenly felt cold air hit their faces. There was a clear path up, through the rumble, to the forest and the outside.

“Baekhyun,” Ethir said as he got up and pulled August up with him. “You okay?” He held onto August tightly, not wanting the other to play the hero again. “We can go up and from there we just have to walk back to the portal we came through-” he said, even if he did not feel like walking at all. He would have to carry August half the way there too.

He should’ve continued those cardio work-outs he started, for sure.

It was dark outside as Ethir helped August up the slope and waited for Baek to join them. The stars were bright in the cold sky, it was pretty. “You were badass,” Ethir said to Baekhyun, mildly impressed by his friend the microwave. It had not been what he expected from the other at all.

He nudged august. “I thought you were dead,” he whispered “thought I lost you.”

@baekhyunx-ia @august-ia

[baekhyunx-ia]

Baekhyun blinked and suddenly the fight was over. That’s totally perfect! Now, they can get August out of here faster than originally anticipated. He took a moment to watch the monster for a moment. Just to ensure it wouldn’t get up again. Satisfied, Baekhyun swung around to brag about their victory, his smile as bright as the sun.

However, glancing at the couple in front of him… Baekhyun hesitated. His smile faltered, he finally has a moment to look over the two and he doesn’t like what he sees. August is a lot more injured than Baekhyun originally thought. He looked at his hands, clenching them tightly. He doesn’t have any healing abilities, the most he can do is keep them a little warmer than they would be without him. Frustrated, Baekhyun walked over to the two. Avoiding these weird monsters as much as he can, Baekhyun hates mushrooms.

Despite his frustrations, he gives Ethirdil a small smile and a nod to answer his question. Baekhyun came out of this as pristine as the sun’s rays. Baekhyun stayed behind the couple, making sure nothing unpleasant followed them out of this hellhole. Despite hoping to feel the comforting rays of the Mother Sun, Baekhyun was slightly disappointed to see the stars.

"Thank you." Baekhyun nodded again.

“I’ve heard so much about you Mr. August! Although, this isn’t exactly what I had in mind for our first meeting. After we get you some help, maybe we can try this meeting thing again. Preferably when we are not on a perilous quest.” Baekhyun is still on full alert. As far as the Sunsprite is concerned, there is still danger all around them. As long as the Moon is allowed to roam the sky, Baekhyun will watch their surroundings carefully.

There have been many nights during Baekhyun’s travels where he defended himself from the creatures of the night. The most vicious battle, besides the one he was just apart of, involved a badger. The Sunsprite still has nightmares about that night from time to time. Although, fighting against giant mushroom monsters who have random rooms filled with mushrooms, is definitely a contender for the scariest thing he’s ever seen.

Baekhyun looked back at the place they left, he shivered. It isn’t natural. He looks down at his hands, his veins are itching to torch the dungeon the monsters held August. Due to being out of his element, Baekhyun isn’t as strong as he was earlier. What if the monsters regrow and come back for August? Could Baekhyun live the next few hundred years knowing he could have stopped Ethirdil and August from being hurt by these creatures again and instead he chose to do nothing when he had the chance? He quickly glanced at the Moon, the mushrooms as her domain. Would the mushroom creatures be her children?

Then, he looked at Ethirdil and August again. Their safety is worth upsetting the Moon. So, just in case, Baekhyun set a small flame through where they escaped, watching it catch onto some of the mushrooms on the floor. It should strength as the flames continue to burn. Then he turned his attention to his friend.

“What can I do? How can I help?” Baekhyun asked. He figured asking was the safest option, he didn’t want to jump in if Ethirdil had everything handled. Baekhyun would be just fine with staying behind them and guarding them until they reached safety.

@august-ia, @ethirdil-ia