Post Tenebras Lux

“To be a monster is to be a hybrid signal, a lighthouse: both shelter and warning at once.“

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Welcome! This is a blog for @eventide-paradox's Pressure OC, Z-578 “The Apex”, known to the few it calls its friends as Lux. The entity is a human spliced with the DNA of a river otter, a sea angel, an axolotl, and [REDACTED], created as a prototype super-soldier for Urbanshade. They managed to escape the containment cell they were being kept in when Sebastian caused the Blacksite's lockdown, and now live as a scavenger, hiding in vents and side rooms as to avoid the attention of Urbanshade personnel and Expendables alike. INFO POSTS: Lux’s Description Achievement Concepts ART: Coming soon! Or maybe not, seeing as I can't draw for shit- it comes if someone ever wants to draw this guy, I guess. TAGGING GUIDE: OOC posts are tagged with #above the apex Asks are tagged with #voices from the void Regular posts are tagged with #prowling the blacksite RPs are tagged with #apex encounters Lore posts are tagged with #light from darkness RULES: No NSFW asks No offensive language Don't try to control our characters No godmodding OOC asks are allowed, if you want information that Lux is either unwilling or unable to give you IMPORTANT NOTES: Coming soon... RECURRING CHARACTERS: Z-919 (@walldwellereater) Sol (@crawling-through-vents) RECURRING ANONS: The Voice of Vengeance Gameshow Anon LUX'S STATUS: Mental State: Calm Physical State: Healthy Death Count: 1 Kill Count: 17 Current Magic Anon: N/A ASKS ARE OPEN!

[walldwellereater]

[The predator stared at the approaching creature]

[The lab coat and dark red goggles put them on edge]

[The creature's gas mask hiding their lower face did nothing to put the predator at ease]

[The creature's tan fins wiggled in interest at the predator, as a hiss came from the mask]

[The predator's distrust was only rivaled by their interest]

@blacksites-apex-predator

[The predator mentioned]

[blacksites-apex-predator]

The predator's tail lashes back and forth as the creature in the gas mask approaches, glowing orange eyes flicking around the room, cataloguing possible escape routes if this encounter turns ugly. "...Hello?" Lux's wings and frills fan out, the otter mutant attempting to make themselves look bigger and more threatening in case the newcomer is an enemy.

[fishy-scientist]

*A voice rings out inside Lux's head*

<Hello.>

*The mutant's voice(?) is calm, though an underlying feeling of excitement is barely noticeable*

<Who are you?>

*The mutant's eyes shift to Lux's collar*

*The two small lights on the mutant doctor's gas mask change from a light blue to an equally light red*

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux steps back as the lights on the other mutant's gas mask change in color, not knowing what that change means. If it's anything like the changes in their own glow, though...it's probably not a good thing. "...I'm...Lux. And you are?"

[fishy-scientist]

*The mutant pauses, realizing how they look to others*

<Don't worry, I am also against urbanshade​.>

<My name is Click.>

*The lights on Click's mask grew slightly more red when they mentioned urbanshade, but quickly faded back to light blue*

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux relaxes at that, their tail swishing behind them. "Click, huh? It's...nice to meet you, I suppose." Their wings fold back against their sides, the otter mutant's frills still fanned out to the sides of their head.

[fishy-scientist]

<It's nice to meet you too, Lux!>

*They sound happy, as a small bit of yellow appears in their lights*

<I think 19's mentioned you before.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux cocks their head to the side. "19? You mean 919? You know him too?" A smile spreads across the otter mutant's face at the mention of one of the few beings down in this watery hellhole that they genuinely consider a friend.

[fishy-scientist]

*The yellow fills the lights on their mask, and they sound excited and happy*

<I do!>

<The two of us are roomates, actually!>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Roommates, huh?" The luminous orange glow emitting from all across Lux's body pulsates, fading to a sunny shade of yellow to match the light of Click's mask. "Glad to hear he's got other people looking out for him."

[fishy-scientist]

<Yeah...>

*A slow pause, the same thought in both of the mutant's heads*

He needs it.

<Anyway!>

<How did you meet him?>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Chance encounter, really- he was walking by the vent I was in, and I decided to poke my head out and take a look-" The otter mutant chuckles a bit, a warm smile coming across their snout. "That day was one of the best days of...well, of what little of my life I can remember."

[fishy-scientist]

<I am glad he made your day better.>

*A somber note, as colorless gray specs appear in Click's lights*

<I... I can understand memory problems.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux looks away for a moment, the light emitting from all across their body dimming. "...Can I ask you something?"

[fishy-scientist]

*The grey is gone, the lights having returned to a calm blue*

<Sure! What do you want to know?>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"...Do you ever miss something without actually knowing what it is you miss?" Lux's light dims further, the luminous orange now tinged with a pale crimson as their finned tail droops downwards.

[fishy-scientist]

*Click sighs, sitting down cross-legged*

*Their mask lights are fully a somber grey*

<Yes.>

<It's... Honestly not that long of a story.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux cocks their head to the side, sitting back on their haunches. "A...story?"

[fishy-scientist]

<I've only woken up recently.>

<Maybe... 2-3 days ago.>

<I... don't remember much before then.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux's glowing eyes widen with surprise as their frills fan out to the sides of their head. "...Wow. And...you say you don't remember much...just how little do you remember?"

[fishy-scientist]

<Practically nothing.>

<It's all just... ideas.>

<I know things, but I can't remember how and where I learned them.>

*They bring one of their hands up to their face, hiding their eyes from Lux as they shift the goggles up to wipe away tears*

<And eventually, even those stop.>

<The only clue I have for why I'm here is my file.>

<I don't even have my own name.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Oh..." Lux's frills flatten against the sides of their head. "...I can relate. I...I can't remember my real name, or even what I used to look like." The otter mutant's tail droops downwards.

[fishy-scientist]

*Click turns towards Lux*

<I'm sorry this all happened to you, Lux.>

<You don't deserve this.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux just stares at Click for a moment, before giving a small, shaky nod. "...Thank you." (But you do deserve this, vessel. This is what you were always meant to be.)

[fishy-scientist]

<You're w-...>

*Click pauses, their lights dimming slightly*

<...Who was that?>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"..." Lux stiffens, as their eyes widen, a pale shade of pink tinging the luminous orange glow emitting from the otter mutant's body. "You...you can hear him?" (Of course he can. Don't you see the crystal atop his head? Don't be stupid, Vessel.)

[fishy-scientist]

<Who is he?>

<The crystal? What's so special about it?>

*A small bit of red begins to glow in their mask lights*

<Also, it's they/them. If you plan to insult me, at least do it right.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux sighs, the pinkish tint to the light emitting from their body deepening to a palish red.

“…His name is Maledict. He’s been in my head ever since the first experiments.”

(I believe that you can figure out the significance of the stone atop your head for yourself, godling.)

(Mal- what the hells are you talking about?)

(I speak not to you, vessel, but to the crystal-bearer. Hold your tongue.)

Lux lets out a low growl, their tail slowly beginning to lash back and forth behind them.

“Just…just ignore him, okay? He’s nothing but an up-jumped bully with a stick up his ghostly arse.”

[fishy-scientist]

*Click paused*

*Godling?*

*What does...*

*919 mentioned a rumor he'd heard*

*Back when they first met*

*Something about the crystal being one of Thor's bones?*

*...Thor was a god*

*Wait*

<Did urbanshade make me a demigod!?>

<I mean, that explains why you seem to be recognizing something, Maledict.>

<I assume you are some form of god?>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

(HA!) Maledict barks out a laugh, although it's humorless and cold. (Me? A god? Oh, you truly have much to learn, little godling. What I am is...rest assured, I am something much, much more than a mere god.) "What you were. These days, you're nothing but a jumped-up ghost with delusions of grandeur."

The entity growls down at its host. Maledict is obviously displeased. (Did I not tell you to silence yourself, vessel?) "Oh, you did. The issue with that is that I don't give two flying fucks."

[fishy-scientist]

*Click sighed, rolling their eyes beneath their goggles*

<I can see why it's called a 'god complex'.>

<Anyways. What were we talking about, Lux?>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux chuckles, nodding at Click. "Uh...memory issues, I think- I'd rather not really talk about those much more, though..." Lux shakes their head. "So- have you seen anything interesting down here? I've found a couple cool things in the Heavy Containment rooms-" Lux may despise that place for the years they were confined there, but they've gotta admit that some of the trinkets they've found around the cells were pretty cool-

[fishy-scientist]

<I can understand that.>

*Click thought for a moment, tapping one of their 3 fingered hands on their mask*

*A small bracelet that looked like it was made of scrap, yet still shiny, sits on their wrist*

<A few of the things in heavy containment were pretty cool, plus some of the things 19 collected.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux's eyes dart down to the shining bracelet for a moment before reestablishing eye contact with Click. "919 collects things? Like what?"

[fishy-scientist]

<Mostly shiny things, candy, and some chemicals.>

<The cool things are the shiny things he's made or found.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux's ears perk up, the otter mutant's tail swishing from side to side. "...Candy? I...I haven't had candy in a while...and you said chemicals? What kinds of chemicals?"

[fishy-scientist]

*Click softly chuckles fondly, noticably more muffled than their voice*

<19 has one hell of a sweet tooth.>

<The chemicals though... That's an interesting one.>

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Heh- can't blame him for that-" Lux shakes their head. "...Interesting? What do you mean by that?"

[walldwellereater]

*The door opened, as an Urbanshade soldier exited the security room, greeting the man outside*

*He was covered in small scars, and his left arm was covered in bandages, with tiny gaps in the wrapping revealing the inhuman arm underneath. One of his eyes was purely mechanical, red and displaying a fake pupil*

"Glad you came, Dr. C."

"What is so important to disturb my work?"

"It's Z-919, he displayed unusual behavior."

"What did it do?"

"He was talking with Z-907, when Z-206 approached and attacked Z-907. When Z-919 saw this, his behavior notably changed, and he began ruthlessly attacking Z-206."

"How is that out of the ordinary?"

"His attacks were notably similar to Z-910-P, and his voice afterwards sounded like Z-919 was attempting to speak with nonhuman vocal chords."

"The protector... Perhaps it sees Z-907 as part of it's 'pack,' so to speak. And this talking? Send me the recording later."

"Yes sir. It also confirms another suspicion of yours."

"Which one?"

"Following this encounter, the two retreated to Z-919's hideout. When Z-919 eventually returned into view of the cameras, and went to talk with Z-578, his hands had retained the claws grown during the battle with Z-206."

"Like how it's blood has remained the same as Z-910-S."

"Dr. C, If I may. What do you think would happen if the Z-910-A behavior was triggered?"

"Two possibilities. Either it takes the behavior of Z-910-A, and looks for someone to use as a host; or it takes the behavior of Z-910-A-2."

"What then?"

"We will find a way to contain it. Electric shocks stop the regeneration of all of the Z-910 specimens, report to me if it has a notable effect on Z-919."

"Yes sir."

*The doctor turns to leave, before pausing*

"And send Ward down to my lab when he comes back."

"Of course, sir."

"Good."

*The doctor leaves*

[walldwellereater]

[Tagging @crawling-through-vents (the creator of Z-907 and Z-206) because I didn't make the two of them]

[adeafspressurestuff]

[Looking back at this, I also forgot to tag @blacksites-apex-predator (The Z-578 mentioned)]

[I mean, I know you saw it, but still]

[blacksites-apex-predator]

The lights began to flicker across the rooms as though there was a sudden disturbance throughout the facility itself. It wasn't an Angler or Pandemonium...but nevertheless, Expendables were cautious when approaching flickering rooms. Then all of a sudden, the lights went dark...a blackout.

To Expendables, it seems like a never-ending nightmare, for there were many monsters creeping over and behind their body, where they could snatch you right off the bat and the last thing you'll hear are your bloodcurdling screams and the thing you'll see is the monster who kills you. Flickering lights across the hallway before...a blackout.

To monsters alike, to ones who are accustomed to the darkness and the soul sucked cold, it was paradise. It was peaceful, quiet, and perhaps, even fun.

"Woah- a hybrid just like me? What a coincidence..." A voice mused at Lux. There didn't seem to be anybody in the room...but when you look up, all you see are heterochromatic eyes staring back up at you. One green and one red, with no pupils whatsoever. "I don't remember seeing you here around...what is your name?"

@cheating-death

As the lights go out, the glow that emanates from various spots all across Lux's body intensifies in response, illuminating the area around the otter mutant with a fiery orange haze. The light seemed to swirl and pulsate around the predatory hybrid, almost as if it were...alive.

The predator looks up, luminescent orange eyes meeting the other mutant's crimson and viridian. "I haven't seen you around here before either. The name's Lux. Z-578, to those who want a quick trip to the infirmary and/or the afterlife." A low chuckle emerges from the otter mutant's maw.

"Oh- don't take that as a threat, by the way. I'm really not in the mood to get into a fight right now, especially not with another Entity. Speaking of- I've given you my name. You willing to tell me yours?" Lux cocks their head to the side, their glowing orange eyes flicking around the room, cataloguing any possible exit routes in case this little encounter goes sour.

[cheating-death]

The mutant smiles, their sharp teeth glowing in the darkness due to the reflection of Lux's orange light from their own body. "Well, if I do decide that I want to go to the afterlife, then I'll make sure to ask you to do the honors for me. Maybe I'll be sent straight to my judgement and finally land where I want to when I'm dead." They chuckled in response. "I don't wish to seeing you getting hurt, especially since I've found another one like me..."

The figure lands down on the ground, the impact of the fall echoing the desolate dark room. "It's nice to meet ya Lux. I would want to shake your hand, but alas, I think it's too dark to be doing that..." They stared at them up and down, their eyes following the motion of their head. "I wonder what colors you have..." They muttered quietly to themselves, barely more than a whisper.

"Anyways- the name's Z-5 to many. Or codename: Amphibious. Whichever suits your tongue the best. Don't want your tongue to start fighting against your own way of speaking." Once again, Z-5 grinned like a Cheshire Cat, showing off the knife-like fangs they possess.

"Hope you're fine with the blackouts I keep causing. It is quite fun to see Expendables scream their heads off like they're in horror movies. Oh wait- they are. It's an Alien movie all over again." They laughed at their own badly formed and time joke.

"Yet if I may ask...what are you roaming around about in the facility? I somehow find you to be the kind of being to catch Expendables off their guard and brutally murder them...Do you?" They tilt their head sideways.

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux chuckles as well, nodding. "Amphibious, huh? I'd say it's nice to meet you too, but that's yet to be determined. As for the blackouts, well...anything that makes my hunts easier is a good thing in my book, you probably know how it is-"

The otter mutant cocks their animalistic head to the side at the mention of Alien. They'd wanted to see that movie once, hadn't they? (It doesn't matter. The past is the past. Besides, there's no point in frivolous entertainment. Kill or be killed, Lux. That's all that matters.)

"As for your other question...I roam because I don't have any other option. Don't get me wrong, though- anyone who wears Urbanshit's insignia deserves a painful death, and I'm perfectly willing to make them hurt as they deserve." Lux lets out a low growl, the radiant orange light emitting from all across their bestial body now tinged with a bloody shade of crimson.

[cheating-death]

"Hm..." Amphibious hummed.

They listen intently, hanging on to every bitter word spilling from the mutant...no Lux's mouth. The resentment towards Urbanshade drips from each syllable, sharp and unfiltered. As they absorb the short tirade, they file away each detail, noting the anger that mirrors their own.

It was palpable...and they couldn't help but feel a connection...

Is it just the shared resentment, or something deeper that connects them? Could it be that both of them are mutants, shaped, scarred, experimented, and products of the same facility that turned their back on the two?

Their mind races with questions, but one lingers, pressing at the edge of their thoughts. Finally, they ask, voice steady yet cautious, “Did Urbanshade… take something from you too? I didn't really want to ask this from you so quickly...but your hatred and anger runs deeper than the ocean."

They shrugged. "I'm not trying to pry into your life though. It's your decision to tell me or not."

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux stares up at Amphibious for a moment, their thoughts racing as they try to figure out what to say before finally settling on a simple nod, letting out a dry, humorless chuckle as they do so. "They've taken things from all of us, haven't they?" (They've given you things as well, haven't they? They've made you better, made you more powerful than you could ever dream of being before.) (Shut the fuck up. I didn't need power, nor did I want it.)

[cheating-death]

"Yeah they have..." They went silent for a moment before they shook their head, their frills going along with their gesture. "But with that in mind, I did want to ask you something. After all, every introduction will always be about something and not nothing."

Amphibious grinned a bit as they hummed softly, tapping one of their feet onto the ground, its noise echoing in the dark. "Hmm...it's not exactly a simple request but I think it could be manageable..."

"Here's what I propose for you: You give me the all of the information I seek when you find it or right now and in return..." They let the sentence trail off, allowing this moment to stretch their weird ass bones that they ended up getting ever since of being injected with some kinds of DNA. "You get what you want. It has to be something...that is equivalent to information seeking if you know what I mean. No burning down Urbanshade...just yet."

"So..." Amphibious said, finally locking eyes with Lux (despite them only seeing Lux in shades of black and white), "What is it that you wish from me? Information as well...or something else?"

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"I...suppose I'd like information. Specifically...information on myself. On who I am." Lux looks away for a moment before reestablishing eye contact with the other mutant. They don't know who they are anymore. Lux can't even remember their own real name, and they hate that.

"So...you want some kind of information? What info do you want me to find for you? I can't promise I'll find anything, but I'll try my best."

[blacksites-apex-predator]

And you are........

CORRECT!

You destroyed those questions!

But those were just child's play compared to the final question!

*The previously calm audience of spectral voices explodes into excitement*

*After waiting for the audience to calm back down, the host's voice returns*

Final question!

Why do they call it oven?

-Gameshow anon

"I think I've heard this one before- it's because you of in the cold food, and of out the hot food, right?" Lux cocks their head to the side, letting out a small, quiet laugh.

[blacksites-apex-predator]

And you are....

CORRECT!

Wow! Someone's on a hot streak!

but will that continue?

Question 5!

Is the ocean a soup?

-Gameshow anon

"I mean...I guess that would depend on your definition of 'soup', wouldn't it? But...it's got water, it's got meat, and it's got salt, so...I suppose you could say it's a soup?"

[blacksites-apex-predator]

That is... drumroll please

...CORRECT!

*The cheering and applause start back up*

Things are heating up for question 3!

Is lava wet?

-Gameshow anon

"Uh...lava? I mean- it's sorta liquid, but it's also too hot to be wet- I think lava is just really hot melted stone, right? So...no? I guess?"

[blacksites-apex-predator]

It was another dark, dreary day inside of the blacksite, as usual of course. The light pad of footsteps could be heard from outside of a system of vents. Suddenly, there was a burst of loud noise and a stunned chirping noise. The sound was like something of a dresser falling, although there aren't really many in here so.. What was that?

"ffffFFFFUCK!"

A voice cuts through the noise as Jezzie attempted to yank their tail out of the shelf that had fallen. Their teeth grit slightly, grinding against each other. They finally manage to do so, falling backwards onto the floor. The creature's ear flicks attentively, hearing something nearby. Quickly, it returns to its feet, standing awkwardly and listening for where the noise had came from.

"...Whatever you are, I hear you. Don't try anything."

She hisses, glancing around the room quickly.

-@jezztar

A pair of glowing orange eyes shine from within the nearby vent. "...Hello?" Lux stares at the other mutant from within the vent, debating what to do. Sure, they could simply run away, going deeper into the ventilation system- better to be safe than to be sorry, after all. The thing is...what if this mutant could be an ally? Lux needs all the allies that they can get, down here.

The otter mutant shakes their head, padding out of the vent and into the room. "Uh...hi there?" They look Jezzie up and down, assessing the crimson-skinned mutant.

[jezztar]

Jez practically jumps out of their skin at the sight of the creature, not exactly expecting it to come out like that. Their tail sways hesitantly against the old concrete floor, eyes locked onto what had heard them making oh-so-much noise. They stand still in the middle of the room, blinking for a few moments. Clearly this thing seemed harmless despite it's size as it stared at hom awkwardly. The fins where their ears should be flicked, a tag on the right one. Z-243.

"Ah, uhm. Hello! I'm sorry about the noise I was just trying to get-.."

She pauses for a moment, realizing the items was not in her hands nor her backpack. Without a second thought she broke eye contact, taking a wider stance as it's eyes shiftily scan the room. Jezzie swiftly snatches something up from the floor, antennae on either side of their head twitching erratically. They stand once more after a bit of a struggle, stuffing the item,a broken clock, into their pocket.

"That"

They finally huff, finishing the sentence and retaining a calmer, however still energetic demeanor. Along with that, their eyes contact continues, although their slitted pupils did lose track of him and wander around the room every once and a while.

"Uhm. It's nice to meet you?"

Clearly they weren't exactly the best at small talk.

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Uh...yeah- I'd say the same, but...not sure if this is going to be a nice meeting or a...not-so-nice one, if you know what I mean-" Lux shakes their head. "Not that I want it to go badly, of course, but...you know how it is down here. Not many things go well in this watery hellhole."

Lux's eyes flick to the tag on Jezzie's earfin for a moment before reestablishing eye contact with the crimson mutant. "So...you have a name? I'm Lux, by the way- Urbanshit calls me Z-578, but I think you can probably tell that I prefer a name over a number-"

[jezztar]

"Ah! Yes, yes I'm ah.. My name is Jezzie. Jezzie Marnch."

They hum, proud to say their own name after so long. Not Z-243. Jezzie. Jez. Her body language softens, movements becoming slower and more calculated. They weren't exactly trying to look intimidating anymore. It's nice to see somethi- someone else down here. One of their hands run through their thick red hair, fixing any loose strands.

"And I promise I will not be a threat to you as long as you are not a threat to me. It's great to see someone else down here."

Jez spoke with a light nod of their head, crouching down a bit to Lux's height just in case.

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux nods back, their finned tail swishing from side to side as they note the other mutant's change in demeanor. "Jezzie, huh? That's a nice name." Lux looks more relaxed as well now, their tensed-up muscles loosening and their axolotl-like frills fanning out to the sides of their head as the otter mutant sheathes their claws- both literally and metaphorically.

"And...yeah. It's pretty nice, seeing people down here that don't immediately run away or try to kill me- unexpected, but definitely not unwelcome." Lux shudders slightly, almost imperceptibly.

[blacksites-apex-predator]

*Gameshow host voice*

THAT'S CORRECT!

*Otherworldly applause and cheering*

Question 2!

Is water wet?

-Gameshow anon

(I forgot to tag the first time.)

“…Yes? I think? I mean- it’s not like it’s dry-”

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Who do you think would win?

1 billion lions or one of every Pokemon?

“Well…one billion is a lot of lions, but I’d have to give this one to the Pokemon.”

[ocprompts]

which oc dropped out of high school?

[walldwellereater]

[919 got arrested before he graduated]

[He wouldn't have dropped out otherwise]

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux was abandoned on the streets as a child- I doubt they even graduated middle school-

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Is there anything you wish you could have done before being trapped in the blacksite?

"...Yeah. There's...there's a lot that I wish I could have done." Lux looks away for a moment. "...I doubt you want a full list."

[blacksites-apex-predator]

What are some of your biggest pet peeves?

"I'm a bit busy with survival to worry about 'pet peeves', pal."

[sluggles-errands]

I finally feel ready to open up the pressure ask blog discord server!

Everyone is welcome.

It's not perfect, but I hope all of us ask blogs (and anons or lurkers!) can unite and have a single space to share our interest or just interact. I'd appreciate it if this was reblogged :)

[blacksites-apex-predator]

We're here too! Come check it out!

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux knows how to make chlorine gas. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[walldwellereater]

*919 looks up from his potassium bomb*

"I can definitely get them any chemicals they need."

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Oh HELLS yeah!"

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux knows how to make chlorine gas. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[sluggles-errands]

Something approaches. A nearby ventilation shaft creaks as a pair of glowing orange eyes shine through the darkness, the grate of the vent popping off as a strange-looking creature enters the room. They look like an otter (although much, much bigger than any natural sea or river otter could grow to), but they have the luminescent wings and internal glow of a sea angel, and the frills of an axolotl ring their head instead of the normal round ears of an otter. "...Hello? Anyone in here?" @blacksites-apex-predator (I told ya I'd be sending in my otter OC! They're also part sea angel, so that could make for a fun dynamic- ^_^)

She wasn’t put off by their unusual look, her nubby antennae wiggling to get a better look while she snatched another random keychain attachment in a drawer she was looking through. “Hi friend! Here.”

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux cautiously approaches, their frills and luminescent wings fanning out as their glowing orange eyes lock on to the smaller sea angel mutant. "O-oh! Heya!" The otter mutant immediately relaxes, a smile crossing their animalistic face at the sight of the smaller mutant. Sure, appearances can be deceiving, but they'd be able to tell if this little creature was a threat to them.

[sluggles-errands]

After securing her newfound keychain to her belt with her other mismatched keychains she turned to them, tilting her head slightly before giving a rather belated wave. "Hi! What do?" She waddled closer and reached out only to give them a little bap-bap on their face (if she could reach) for... Whatever reason that she had decided on. "Friend collect? Auhm, explore?"

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux chuckles at being bapped, raising a paw and lightly bapping the other mutant back. "Uh...I guess I'm exploring? Is...is that what you're trying to ask?" The otter mutant cocks their head to the side, assessing the small creature.

[sluggles-errands]

"Mh!" it seems that was the right assumption. She replicated their head movement and cocked her head to the other side, not sure why they were doing that. "Find thing-s?"

[blacksites-apex-predator]

Lux chuckles once again at Sluggle's mimicry of them, a smile spreading across their animalistic face. "Mhm! I've found a couple medkits, a flashlight, and even some snacks! They're...somehow still good- not sure how, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth-"

[sluggles-errands]

She was excited for them, making a little warble before speaking up. “Gift Hor-se..? Friend have lot!” She didn’t seem to know metaphors, for all they knew she could’ve thought they were talking about a real horse or something, but she was still no less enthusiastic.

[blacksites-apex-predator]

"Yeah- I've got a lot of stuff- speaking of, you want a snack? I've got some crackers, some beef jerky, a couple pieces of chocolate-" Lux gestures to a small satchel hanging on a leather strip around their neck, said strip mostly (but not completely) obscuring the metal collar sealed around their neck. The satchel looks to have once been branded with a logo, but whatever it was, it's since been scratched away.