❝ Falling is just another name for flying. That's why I rejoice at my broken wings. Step into the mortal world to see how it truly is. Then, be born as a human and die as one. ❞
SUNDAY from HONKAI: STAR RAIL
affiliated with aevum isles, not indie-friendly. written by xing.
One who once sought to conduct the grandest symphony in the cosmos, who now seeks to look upon the universe with new eyes after his fall from grace.
Elegant and soft-spoken, but beneath his gentle smile lies untold fears and uncertainties, and a need for perfection and control that borders on pathological.
Despite his setbacks and mistakes, despite the failures that haunt his mind, he remains committed to bettering himself.
Now, he is a simple traveler, taking his first steps beyond the veil of that which he once knew-- one whose journey was suddenly diverted to a new and unknown realm.
Perhaps within this new dawn's untold possibilities, there is a future worth striding toward after all.
Sunday had made a point to go on more walks. With the temple being right next to the paths and trails of the Aether Reserve, it was quite convenient to do so-- and for those who tended to get caught up within their own minds, "going outside" was supposed to help.
It had been far more pleasant in the spring-- but beneath the shade of the trees, it wasn't too bad.
Especially when it was nesting season, and Sunday had brought along some seed. Right now, he held it cupped in one hand. A pair of finches had landed on his arm, pecking at the seed, while a few others had also gathered on the surrounding branches to wait their turn.
"Be careful, little ones," Sunday murmured, "I've seen fox tracks nearby. I hope you've nested far out of reach." Of course, they wouldn't understand what he was saying-- even with Tuning, it was no easy feat to communicate across species. Still, he couldn't help but give his words of caution.
Hearing the approach of footsteps, Sunday turned to greet the newcomer with a light smile. "Ah, good morning." He looked rather like a fairytale in the sun-dappled woods with his wings and halo and the birds perched on and around him.
"Let's set those boxes on the right side, near the end of the table. There were a lot of donations this time, and we will have more room to sort through the clothing."
Lately, Sunday had taken up more volunteering. Though it would be rather simple and comfortable to cloister himself within the temple, he had resolved to step outside his comfort zone, to learn from those he admired. This time, he had taken a page from his sister's book.
It was a different kind of service than he was used to, more hands on, more down to earth... perhaps it wouldn't have suited him before, but now, he settled in quite nicely.
The only trouble was his lack of physical strength.Carrying large, heavy boxes of donations wasn't exactly in Sunday's skillset-- but no matter. He worked best as a coordinator anyway, and the other man who had joined him to help with the clothing drive was more than sturdy enough for both of them.
He opened up the box on top to get started with the sorting.
"Once we've finished here, would you like to join me for lunch?" he asked his companion.
⋆˙⟡ :- Indeed, the task of restoring cleanliness to the temple was as fulfilling as the activities themselves. Or rather, at least Lilith found them to be. Such activities always invited some chaos to them; that much was unavoidable in service. In a way, cleaning was simply another ritual to recenter oneself in calmness.
Of course, such tasks were far easier when in the company of another. The two of them had been simply enjoying the quiet silence between the spools and the pieces that were put back into their right place. Lilith looked from her work to him, finishing the last of the arrangements of her task.
" i do ! " she answered with a smile and a quick nod. " though , I admit not for myself . i have been fortunate to not have lost a loved one . " She pauses quietly, closing the lid of the box of empty spools and setting them in place. " however , i offer support to those who may need it . grief is . . . well , it is easy to become consumed in it . "
Lilith's head tilts, a curiosity on her features as she regards him. " are you attending as well ? it is very beautiful to witness , even if you are not sharing love to those who have passed on . "
"Indeed, it is," Sunday nodded his head. He had heard many a tale from within the bronze melodia's booth... grief that wore away the heart, grief that drove one to madness... and of course, he knew it himself as well, the silent emptiness that dwelt in the corner of his heart, long-denied, long-smoothed over but still tender. A sad smile touched his lips. "I wish that you may continue for a long time without knowing such pain."
He finished the box of threads he was working on, turning each so that it was ready to spool outward, brushing away small bits of shimmering fiber with his fingertips before closing the lid.
With a nod of his head, he replied. "As a matter of fact, I was planning to do so. Both for a similar reason as yourself, as well as to simply learn more about this world and its customs."
Whatever the circumstances of his arrival in this world, there was no doubt much he could learn from this place and its people. Such remembrances, such rituals, they formed the very backbone of a society. Perhaps among them, there may be something that pointed toward the true "paradise" he sought.
" you know , i took piano lessons once , when i was little . " anna waxed nostalgia . there was something about a piano -- about music -- that anna associated with liveliness . of jubilee . of dancing and crowds and fun . so it was no wonder that she was drawn to music wherever it came .
" but i wasn't any good . my teacher said i couldn't sit still long enough to learn , so eventually the lessons just stopped . still . . . i love the idea of being able to play . how long did it take you to learn ?? "
"I began learning when I was still very young," Sunday replied, taking a brief pause in his rehearsal. Fortunately, the music and instruments here were still familiar-- at least, familiar enough to pick up in a matter of moments. He didn't seek to make a name for himself here, but nonetheless, after the Luminescence Concerts, he found himself receiving quite a few accompanist requests.
"My mother was the first to teach me," he went on with a soft, sad smile. "Though... that was merely the basics. Later on, I studied more earnestly. As for how long it took..."
A sigh, and golden eyes drifted back down toward the black and white keys.
"Only a fool believes he has fully mastered a skill. Even now, I am still learning-- for example, there are musical styles in these isles that I've never heard before," he finished, then a warm, contemplative look. "Perhaps now that you are older, you might try again? I may be able to offer a few lessons, if you would like."
Though the Echoes of Padedeu Temple did not weave the sovenance threads themselves, there was still plenty they could do to assist with the process. Whether it was sorting materials or scheduling weaving sessions with those in attendance, it allowed Sunday to study the process, while also instilling that familiar feeling of accomplishment, the warmth that came from offering guidance, even in small ways.
Now, the final weaving sessions of the day were under way, leaving Sunday and Lilith to begin tidying the temple and sorting through the remaining threads.
This, too, was a rather fulfilling activity.
Sunday wound up the spools of silken thread and tucked in the ends, storing them in neat, careful rows. Before long, the temple would be restored to the way it was this morning, before the first patrons arrived-- neat and tidy, calm and quiet.
It was no wonder he often stayed rather late at night.
Though, the silence could also be somewhat uneasy-- so after a few moments more, Sunday decided to break it.
"Miss Lilith, do you plan on attending the candlelight passing as well?" he asked, picking up a few more spools of thread to wind up.
⋆˙⟡ :- Even while she worked on restoring the beauty of the snow-covered buds, Lilith was able to give her attention to Sunday. She led him through the covered paths of her favorite place, enjoying the company of the one she felt she might resonate with.
" Oh! You are interested in volunteering here? " Lilith chirped, abandoning the bush she had only partially revived when interrupted by Sunday's inquiry. Her cheeks grew brighter in their pink hue, and even more excitement bubbled in her soul at the potential of a new companion at the temple.
" Well, it is a lot of cleaning! " She chuckled, remembering that she had abandoned her broom in the hall to attend to him. " However, the acolytes here often need assistance with ceremonies and such, particularly during holiday times. "
Lilith explained, recounting every duty she had practiced dozens of times. She looks over to the pagoda, the gold and silver ribbons dancing in the wind. " At the beginning of the month, we help tie those ribbons. Anyone may write in them, expressing their hopes and dreams and allowing the Aether to flow through them, in a way. There is even an alcove where shrines to other gods and goddesses may be made! I have one for my homeland's patron. "
She winked, softly giggling as her energy slowed back to normal. " However, the denizens here hold the aether in high reverence. They are called Ivurie and Ebonos. Two fluctuating powers that balance each other. It is very fascinating. "
It would be good to find a place, Sunday thought. He may be a stranger in this foreign land, but there was little he could do to change that. What he could do, however, was find a way to settle in-- and it was merely human nature to seek out the familiar.
Thus, with a nod of winged head, halo bobbing behind, he continued to follow Lilith along the path.
His gaze followed the ribbons' dance, glinting in light of the setting sun. What, Sunday wondered to himself, did the people of this world wish for? What did they dream of?
Could the Aether grant them these wishes?
"I see," he said, his brows lightly raised. "I admit, though I have not been here long, I am rather curious about the practices and traditions of this world's people. The Aether they so revere, I should like to learn more about it."
There was much still to learn about what sort of world this was, and what sort were those who dwelt within it. Perhaps here, Sunday might come to understand their hearts-- and by serving others, once more quell that anxiety within him.
A bit short notice, but please like this post for an Amity Celebration starter with Sunday! He'll be participating in the following activities:
Blossom Dance - A part of integrating one's self within a society involves participating in the local customs and festivities, and while Sunday might not be bold enough to wander the streets on Coating Colors Day or take a sip of a charmed tea, nor audacious enough to play pranks on others (though that says nothing of others' willingness to prank him), he can be found attending the Blossom Dance, engaging in pleasantries and socializing... though his true purpose is undoubtedly to sample all of the little sweet treats that the locals have prepared.
Luminescence Concerts - Sunday can be seen on stage accompanying some of the performers on the piano. In the days leading up to the concerts, he made a point to offer his services to those who still needed accompaniment, and secured a few gigs that way-- along with offering to fill in in the case of absence. Though he does not claim the spotlight, his talent is nonetheless quite apparent-- especially when in some cases, he has only rehearsed once. When not performing, there's also good chance to find him among the audience.
Tapestry of Traditions and Candlelight Passing - As a "guest" priest at the temple, Sunday has truly dedicated himself to his work. That includes assisting with both the weaving of Sovenance Tapestries and the Candlelight Passing. This year, he has taken on more of an administrative role, helping everything to go smoothly, while also taking the time to learn about the arts and traditions involved. Of course, he will also be having a tapestry woven and sending out an offering of his own, but these activities he will keep more to himself.
Capping this at 3 for now, if you want a specific activity then please either reply to this post, message, or ping me on discord, otherwise I'll just choose one!
「𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤!」- Hiding in vents wasn't anything new. Actually, it was a tactic that Vash employed probably more than anyone would expect. It had served him pretty well so far. Even if he didn't know the layout of this place, this wasn't a bad plan in all honesty. They might be able to find their way to another part of the facility (or even out) by following them.
He watched quietly as the robot came around the corner and did a sweep of the area. Then it began to leave and resume its usual patrol. Vash nearly collapsed, letting out a heavy sigh of relief. Blue eyes glowed slightly in the dark, reflective like an animals.
He glanced at Sunday. "Yeah, probably." Then he peered down the dark vent beyond Sunday's head. Looked back behind himself. "...We could just follow the air vents to a different area. We'd probably be able to avoid the robots."
For one this was familiar, for the other an entirely brand-new experience... though, Sunday had been having a lot of "new experiences" lately. He only wished it actually got easier with time...
And though he would have preferred walking on his feet rather than trying to crawl through the narrow vents, Vash's suggestion didn't surprise him either. Ear feathers ruffled slightly as Sunday's own gaze followed a similar pattern, back and forth.
"At least those larger ones," he agreed, "however, we would be remiss to grow too complacent. Even if the smaller ones are capable only of spying, that in itself can be just as dangerous."
With security being so tight here, Sunday found it hard to believe that this place would be overlooked... but then again, with the highest security came the very overconfidence he warned against. It was a pity they hadn't managed to get a map of the facility. They might have had a better idea of which direction to go.
As it was...
"There are still others trapped here. I'd like to continue searching for a way to help them."
THE AMITY CELEBRATION is itself a celebration of families in Aevum, from mothers, to fathers, and siblings alike. Some may even gather to celebrate friendships during this season of holiday. Cafes, restaurants and stores across Arcanus City can be found discounting items and featuring seasonal sales. City parks can often be found themed in whites and golds, with various family-friendly activities across the small venues.Please refer to the ARCANUS ISLE COMPENDIUM for creature and plant references.
OVERVIEW:
Logus Pocus Day.
During the month of APRIL, the Aercons of Arcanus Isle celebrate the coming of spring. Starting first with “LOGUS POCUS DAY”, residents make sure to engage in a full day of mischief and good-natured fun. After which, the preparations for spring are sure to follow.
(see: Logus Pocus Day, cont.)
The Blossom Dance.
Taking place on the FIRST FRIDAY AND SATURDAY of April (2025, April 4th-5th), the Blossom Dance is a large gathering hosted by Fanalean residents in the Fanalean Fields. Participants and onlookers are expected to wear their springtime finest and join locals through the weekend for locally-made foods such as the May Flower Honey and Zephyr Lily Wines. The farmlands host strawberry harvests, and during the White Nights, Star-Step Moonelopes and Sunbeam Ceredae are more common to spot in the wilds around this time of year.
Towards the far west of the fields, along the border of the Aether Reserve, Wyrd Fae leave small gold coins for curious children. Legends say that only those pure of heart can find the coins, though they can be gifted to others once in the individual's possession.
Taking significant others to the Blossom Dance is a popular date choice, especially during the White Nights.
The White Nights.
During the 28th of April to the 3rd of May, Aevum experiences a natural week-long phenomenon colloquially known as “THE WHITE NIGHTS”. During this time, the sun does not set, casting a perpetual twilight well into the midnight hours. Schools are closed and workplaces observe reduced hours. The White Nights are a signifier that spring has come, and is often reserved as a holiday for families to enjoy.
NOTE:
Known as THE AMITY VOUCHER, LIMIT: 1 PER CHARACTER.
For the month of April: the Aevum Marketplace will allow TIER 1 MARKETPLACE ITEMS to be discounted to 50% off its market price.
Tier 1 items can be BOUGHT AND GIFTED to other members for the duration of the month.
Purchases will be processed during April. 27th-May 3rd.
ACTIVITIES:
NOTE: Unless specified, ALL activities listed for the Amity Celebration are observed throughout the Arcanus Isles.
May Crownings
May Crownings are a small rite of passage between young people within Arcanus Isle. Youth will spend some time crafting flower crowns and garlands for their best friends. The flowers of choice, despite the name, are daisies, bluebells, and marigolds. Some eleven attempt to weave heaven’s mirror into their garlands for their crushes. Receiving a crown often is synonymous with “you are important to me”.
Adults who like to continue the tradition may instead weave wreaths to hang for their loved ones. The more colorful flowers that fill the wreath (as well as the size and volume of the wreath), the more of a point of pride it is between friends.
Occasionally, some choose to utilize the may crownings to deliver crowns, garlands, and wreaths that speak of not-so-pleasant feelings towards other individuals. It is not entirely uncommon for anonymous wreaths to be left at a doorstep that say, in no uncertain flower-speak terms, “I don't like you even one bit”.
Logus Pocus Day (cont.)
Logus Pocus Day marks the first day of the Amity Celebration season for many arcanus residents. Fishermen gather the logus fruit from the small islands scattered around the southern perimeter, and sell them at the piers throughout the day. Logus fruit is known for its playfully chaotic characteristics, and many residents who partake in the holiday craft all manner of pranks featuring the fruit.
Eating the fruit produces a random effect that lasts 1 hour per bite taken. There are six cataloged effects:
Your voice changes to sound operatic, higher or lower pitched, or, in rare cases, speaking backwards.
Randomly change the color of your skin, eyes, and/or hair with wildly different shades that slowly peels off.
Particles appear coming off your body, which take the form of flower petals. The petals are unique to the person.
Your body becomes elastic, making you unbreakable … However you will be unable to grip anything at all.
The gravity of your body changes, making you incredibly dense, or float.
You turn into a Luna Flock. (No, you cannot lay eggs.)
CLEARVIEW DISTRICT:
Tea-lip Party
In the spirit of good fun, the Tea-Lip Party is hosted in Nourriture Avenue’s Gazebo. Teacups made of tulips line round tables for an afternoon tea party. Tea is served to guests who partake, all with the knowledge that drinking from the cup may mean a variety of random effects — for the tea poured into each cup is spiked with various alchemical potions courtesy of JUNIPER’S CHARMS AND REMEDIES.
This year, when ingested, the following effects may occur:
Your body progressively starts to glow any singular color of the rainbow. This lasts 24 hours.
You feel your tongue begin to twist. You can only speak in rhyme for 4 hours.
Your dominant hand is switched from right to left, or left to right. If you are ambidextrous, you now have no dominant hand. This lasts 2 hours.
You cannot tell a lie for 24 hours.
You will be followed by a little cloud of personalized weather, good or bad, usually taking the form of a small cloud. This lasts 6 hours.
All of your inner thoughts are audibly heard for 4 hours. You’re convinced everyone else is a mind reader.
(Felix often lost his cats and brewed this potion to make them easier to find.) You leave glowing footsteps that persist for 1 hour.
Your thirst is perfectly quenched for 2 hours. This drink is the quenchiest. (Also subjects the drinker to vivid hallucinations for the same amount of time.)
Many of the neighboring restaurants partake in the Tea-lip Party, offering various hour-de-vours to go alongside the precariously enjoyable beverages.
DOWNTOWN ARCANUS.
Coating Colors Day
Downtown Arcanus celebrates the Amity Festival with various color based festivities in celebration of the spring. One such tradition is to gather residents for a full day of color dusting the old roads of the main street. Residents engage in fun banter with each other by throwing small balloons with colored water and powder at each other.
Very often, this activity turns the streets into a colorful labyrinth. The elderly will partake by creating the colored powder solutions using various ancient methods and plants that grow across the Fanalean Fields and Silverbrook Hollow. The most famous of these colors are the pale blue, phosphorescent powders that come from the Zephyr Lilies, and the bright orange powder that comes from May Flowers.
As the Amity Celebration is traditionally a festival revolving around the bonds of friendship, family and neighborhood, this is an especially popular event for most Arcanus Isle residents to spend with their loved ones.
Luminescence Concerts
Sponsored by sweetheart idol Opal Luminescence, the Amphitheatre is fitted into a grand stage where the residents of Arcanus Isle can compete against one another to see who has the best, and most influential, musical talents. Those who partake can perform covers of their favorite songs, write and perform entirely original ones, or even simply join in as part of the judge table.
Despite the competitive nature of the concerts, the end goal of the performances are to promote creativity, artistry, music, and having fun. Opal often mediates the shows, congratulating all participants and rewarding them with various small gifts of their choice. (Usually musical in nature.) The pop star meets and greets her fans, often ending the week with a large concert showcasing the most popular covers and original music voted on throughout the week, as well as her own songs.
A majority of the proceeds gained by merchandise sales, sponsorships and so on are given to the St. Azalea Foundation.
THE AETHER RESERVE.
Tapestry of Traditions (April 28 - May 3rd)
As the White Nights finally make their appearance, the residents of Arcanus Isles turn their attention from the coming of spring, to the celebration of families properly. At the Padedeu Temple, groups of acolytes gather to create tapestries for paying residents as part of a fundraising event.
These tapestries are created from spun wool and silks - called Sovenance Threads - with both versions hailing from a long-lost region. The threads are used to create an image of an individual’s home (metaphorical or otherwise), and often depicts important subjects and people in their life. Sovenance threads draw on the memories and true feelings of an individual’s heart to create these depictions. One or more people can contribute to a tapestry to create the finished product, and they can be extended once a year.
These tapestries are some Aercons way of preserving family traditions, mottos, and other elements of livelihood, and often serve as heirlooms to be passed down and continued from one generation to the next.
A Sovenance Tapestry can depict (and be influenced by) the following things:
An individual’s family. The definition of a “family” will always reflect the Echo’s definition of what a ‘family’ may be. This can include biological families, found families, friendships, work-family, neighborhood communities, pets, and so on. People of significance may also appear here, but never wholly negative individuals, such as a mortal enemy or a deeply personal rival. (These individuals may be hinted at by motifs instead. See below.)
Memories, Emotions and Unique Relationships Due to the nature of the event, acolytes will ask Echoes to focus on a happy memory for the threads to depict. These positive memories will take precedence over negative ones. However: neutral and negative emotions can still influence the tapestry if the emotion (or lack thereof) is strong enough. Neutral (or lack of) emotions or memories will contribute nothing to the tapestry being created by the acolyte, causing the Sovenance threads to simply halt in place. If a negative emotion or memory influences the tapestry, the effect is more varied, creating anything from a wholly unclear or distorted image, to an image that simply contains small symbols that relate back to any unfinished business, hidden afflictions, or unresolved conflicts. In the case of both positive and negative influences, the tapestry’s symbols and motifs act very similarly to dream symbolism. (e.g., a backdrop of poison ivy may indicate hostile attitudes or scheming thoughts; jealousy, anger, and revenge. A lit candle may symbolize seeking hope, comfort or enlightenment.)
A birthplace or other Significant Location. A tapestry’s backdrop may depict elements of an Echo’s home, favorite place, or other objects that relate back to this location. (e.g., a star motif for characters related to, or greatly influenced by, space. Or an artistic rendition of a significant landmark that is important to the Echo.)
(More on) Influential Objects, Symbols, and Motifs Throughout the entire tapestry, symbols, objects, and motifs that tie in to the Echo will appear scattered throughout the piece. These typically depict elements of the Echo’s personality (or personalities, if more than one Echo is contributing to the tapestry). What motifs appear are directly influenced by the memory or relationship being depicted on the tapestry being woven. People who influence the memory of the Echo who are not directly involved (or are a deeply negative experience) will appear as symbols and motifs (see above) throughout the tapestry rather than as a significant focal point of it.
THE LUNAR COAST.
Candlelight Passing
Also spearheaded by the Padedeu Temple staff is the Candelight Passing ceremony. This ceremony takes place from 7PM - 4AM during the White Nights. When the Midnight Sun basks the land of Arcanus Isle into a perpetual twilight, denizens of the Isle gather at the shores of Arcus Reef to send off small wooden boats (often letter-sized boxes) filled with offerings to loved ones who have passed on.
These wooden boats are specifically fitted to eventually sink underwater, as the Aercons believe that when a member of the community passes on to become one with the Aether, the moment that the boats sink and its contents make contact with the water, the deceased are briefly able to feel the love of their remaining friends and relatives.
Those who observe the ceremony may gather incense, flowers, small sculptures, or paper memories into their boat before sending it off into the cove.
「𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤!」- Vash had scrambled up as quickly as he could. He could tell that the man wouldn't be able to hold him for long, but it was their best bet at somewhere to hide. In any case he was moving as fast as he could to unscrew the ceiling vent, wobbling a bit as the other man began to falter. He caught the screws before they could fall, stashing them in a pocket
The whirring clank was getting closer.
"Got it!" - He was holding the vent cover under an arm.
Scrambling back down with all the grace of a man experienced in the art of scurrying before holding out his hands to boost Sunday up.
Then it was his turn. Vash hurried the nearest chair into position, the wheels sliding as he stood and leaped upward to snag the edge with one hand. "Pull! Pull me up please!"
Doing this one handed was a lot more trouble than two-handed, but at least using the prosthetic arm, it was a lot easier to maintain his grip. As soon as he was up he wriggled his way into position and used his other hand, holding the vent cover, to pull the detached metal back into place, holding it flush against the ceiling.
Sunday managed to pull himself up into the vent, wincing at the clattering of the metal... and the machines still approaching. They'd be cutting it a little close, but there should be enough time...
He nodded his head, his wings folded in close against his neck as he braced both feet against the corners of the vent, grabbed hold of Vash's arm and leaned his entire body weight back to the point where he was nearly bent horizontal. He wasn't very strong, or heavy, but the leverage should be enough.
Fortunately, just as his legs gave out and he fell rather unceremoniously onto his bottom, then back, Vash cleared the opening. As the machine below rounded the corner and scanned the area they were just in, back and forth, for several moments, he held his breath and tried not to let his arms and legs tremble too much.
... Perhaps he ought to ask Dan Heng to help him train his physical strength a bit more. Even from this much, his shoulders and arms were quite strained.
Not to mention the uncomfortable, awkward, and rather ignominious position they'd found themselves in, crouched inside a dirty vent, hiding from mechanical beasts below... only when the robot began to continue its patrol down the hallway did Sunday release the breath he didn't know he'd been holding.
"My apologies," he muttered in a whisper, "This sort of situation is... all rather new to me. Do you think it's gone now?"
He wasn't sure how intelligent these things were... if it would proceed down its assigned route, or attempt to catch them off guard. Feathers ruffled uneasily as he peered down through the grating again.
The red warning flashed up over the screen as his hands rested on the console keyboard.
Vash hit yet another wall and was left staring up at the glaring red message. He didn't even have the slightest clue of what he should attempt inputting, he was just trying whatever came to mind - whatever might have even the slimmest potential of getting them in or working. He had tried whatever significant names written down that he could find. Still nothing. Vash frowned. He could only perform so many inputs before the system locked him out and he was certain he was reaching that threshold.
They'd have to abandon this avenue. If they got locked out it cause trouble when researchers returned to find their systems on lock down.
He was about to say as much when he turned his head at the noise of clanking machinery from somewhere down the hall. He didn't need his gate or anything else to be able to hear it, it was loud enough on its own. And it only took a quick glance around the room to determine where they should hide. Vash pointed upward towards the vent, lowering his own voice, "It'll be kinda tight but it's sort of our only option. Can ya give me a boost? I can undo th' cover and then we can switch. I boost you up in and you pull me up."
Vash flashed a small screwdriver that he had found when they first entered the wing. He had gone through some file cabinets and boxes and whatever else he could dig in for possible access codes, pocketing a few select items along the way.Honestly, scavenging items was practically his special skill. The ceiling of the control room was relatively low and they were both tall enough that it wouldn't be too much of a problem for one of them to lift the other up. It would be a little harder done than said for Vash to get into the vent, but he was fine with that. He had an idea of how to make it work.
The number of times Sunday had actually lifted up another person, let alone one taller than he himself was, was approximately zero. The Oak Family Head rarely engaged in much physical activity after all. When it came to rhetoric, he was nigh unmatched, but upper body strength?
... Not quite so much.
Still, there were only the two of them here, and they were running out of time, so there wasn't much of a choice.
Sunday nodded. "I... will do my best."
In the end, he managed to get Vash up on his shoulders, straightening himself up just enough that the taller man could reach the ceiling. Seeing things like this performed by an acrobatics troupe and doing them in person were vastly different things, he thought as his shoulders and back ached-- and besides that, the ever-present mechanical clank, slowly growing louder.
"Have you... gotten it loose?" he panted, barely above a whisper.
She hums as she looks at the intimidating barrier between them. While she usually would just leave and try to get out immediately.. In her heart, leaving a fellow captive behind felt.. unwarranted. Besides, he has a point. Cooperation may be the best option, at least until they escape. Then, they can go their merry ways.
Kraehe nods, then studies the panel that looked completely foreign to her. Good grief, nothing like this was ever a thing in her home. Nothing Drosselmeyer made can be this.. futuristic. How does she shut it off? Kraehe presses a button...
Nothing happens.
She tries again, but it only makes a small 'beep' that startled her.
But, nothing happened. Good that they escaped any unfortunate events, but no fortune either. There's a red one, though that seems like.. danger. Theres a reason why red was used for warnings, after all.
Oh, what choice does she have? Against her better judgement, she presses the red button. The minute she pushed it, the barrier dissolved. She breathes a sigh of relief, then runs in to usher the older man. "Alright, it's down! Let's get out of here!"
Had Sunday been a bit more well-versed in technology, he might have been able to help. Unfortunately, at the moment he... was almost painfully useless, only able to wait awkwardly until the girl managed to figure out how to unlock the door.
Once it had opened though, he quickly ducked through the entrance, glancing up and down the corridor.
"Thank you," he said, not one to forego expressing gratitude even in a pressing situation such as this. The girl seemed rather young, probably still a teenager... she shouldn't be in a situation like this. He sighed, pressing his lips together. Of course, the idea that children would be spared tragedy was a mere fantasy... still. "I will do everything within my power to help you escape from this place safely."
As they made their way down the corridors, Sunday glanced through the screens for any sign of other prisoners. Many seemed to be empty, others waiting for their occupants to return from...
A shiver ran down his spine. Where, he had little idea.
"The machines come from that direction, and the scientists from the lift, there. It may be better to face a human foe," he said, "and perhaps they will have some useful information."
Though he might not look it... he was actually a rather accomplished interrogator, after all.
"That's a shame. I would have loved to hear her music." It must be hard being away from your sibling. Marcellus understands the feeling. While he and Romanus didn't grow up together, he has met his older brother and built a bond. He misses the guy.
"Perhaps we can see if we can find it together one day. This place works in mysterious ways."
And at Sunday's question, Marcellus chuckles softly. "Just about anything. I enjoy cooking stew the most, though."
A soft smile touched Sunday's lips, golden eyes glancing upward, toward the unfamiliar skies. He knew, of course, that they would have to be far apart... but this far... it was more than he had thought. He sighed.
"If I happen to find one of her records here, I would of course be happy to share," he said. Though he knew all of Robin's songs by heart, to put on a performance himself was... well, apart from the occasional and absentminded shower performance, something he actually felt rather shy about.
Cooking, though... he briefly looked like he wanted to ask something, then hesitated. Then, he said, "I never had much of a chance to learn how to cook. In my... former position, that was something handled by others."
It could be useful to learn something like that. Perhaps he should look into finding some cookbooks...
I would also like to purchase two ability unlocks for Sunday from Honkai: Star Rail:
Mental Tuning
Halovian Telepathy
His stats are /stats and emblems are /emblems, and today is 3/6.
When you awaken, you feel rekindled. As though some small piece of you has assembled itself back together….
You have regained the ability to COMMUNICATE TELEPATHICALLY and INFLUENCE EMOTIONS.
ABILITY UNLOCK
500 Emblems
ALL Abilities and Items listed on a Muse’s application can be bought back at any time. Application unlocks are limited to two (2) abilities/items per Activity Check without exception.
ORIGINAL EMBLEM BALANCE: 1,100 Emblems
TRANSACTION: -1,000 Emblems
CURRENT EMBLEM BALANCE: 100 Emblems
Today is 3/6 and I would like to rank up Sunday from Honkai: Star Rail to Ardent Rank, please! His threads can be found under /threads and stats under /stats.
Your experiences have led you to deeper ties in this world. Young Echo, may you cherish them well.
Congrats! Your muse SUNDAY has ranked up to Ardent Rank! You now have the following benefits:
