Qia

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions: Sunni-@The Savant}

---

Sunni’s next words were incredibly gentle yet piercing, cutting through the tangled web of anxiety that had been tightening around Elara’s mind.

“Elara, you do not have to make plans with me if you don’t want to be around me,” he said. His smile grew more genuine, a small, warm curve that should have been comforting but instead deepened the pit of unease in her stomach. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, a soft light that made her chest ache with a confusing mix of relief and guilt.

“I will not be offended. I promise. It’s somewhat painful standing here and watching you try while your body language and facial expressions are telling me the opposite of your words,” he continued, chuckling lightly as he looked down. His hands slid into his pockets, a gesture that seemed to create a barrier between them, protecting himself from further hurt.

Because Elara was not stupid. She knew her indecisiveness had caused him some small level of pain, a subtle but undeniable sting that she could see in the way his shoulders slumped ever so slightly.

She watched him move some rocks with his foot, his demeanour shifting to one of quiet resignation. Elara’s eyes softened in turn, her gaze meeting his for a fleeting moment before she looked away, unable to bear the vulnerability reflected in his eyes.

“I think…we both have a lot on our minds,” she murmured, the words feeling hollow and insufficient. Her mind raced, urging her to explain herself more, to bridge the gap that seemed to widen with every passing second.

“Reading together sounds lovely, truly. Maybe once things settle down a bit, we can find a quiet moment.” She offered a gentle smile then, hoping it would ease the tension between them. “For now, let’s focus on what needs to be done. The winter preparations are crucial, and I wouldn’t want to neglect my duties.”

It was a rejection, but also not. A tentative promise of future moments, a delicate balance between duty and desire.

Elara fell into step beside Sunni, desperately wishing to break the silence, to find the right words that would ease the tension between them. But nothing came to mind. Instead, she focused on the rhythmic crunch of their footsteps on the snowy path, finding a strange comfort in the simple, repetitive sound. As they walked, she occasionally stole glances at Sunni, his expression calm despite the flicker of doubt in his eyes. He was trying to mask his feelings, just as she was. That much she figured.

She sighed along with him, the weight of the silence pressing down on her until Elara could no longer bear it. The shared exhalation felt like a small release, a moment of unspoken understanding between them.

“I appreciate you walking me back. It’s… nice to have someone looking out for me.”

As she spoke, she glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of his true feelings. She hoped her words would convey the gratitude she felt, even if she couldn’t fully express the complexity of her emotions. The flicker of warmth in his eyes gave her a small measure of reassurance, but the uncertainty still lingered.

The path ahead to the cabin seemed both endless and too short, a journey that mirrored the uncertain distance between them. Each step felt like a delicate balance between moving forward and holding back, the snowy trail a silent witness to their unspoken thoughts.

“Thank you for…the walk. For everything. I know we both have our responsibilities, but… I hope we can find time to talk again.”

Her smile then was small but genuine, a silent promise of future conversations and shared moments. She wanted him to know that despite her fears and uncertainties, she valued his presence and the little connection they’d shared. With a final nod, she stepped towards the cabin, her heart heavy yet hopeful.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

The room was a disaster zone, a disorderly mess of clothes haphazardly strewn across the floor and books scattered like fallen leaves in a storm. Moving with a quiet urgency, breaths came in shallow, rapid bursts while bending to right a fallen chair, hands trembling from the adrenaline still coursing through veins after that evening’s unexpected incident. It had been hours already, yet the memory of it clung like a shadow, leaving one shaken and on edge.

Out of all the things expected, this encounter had definitely not been one of them.

The only desk in the room was a chaotic jumble, with papers and notebooks haphazardly scattered across it in a frenzy. A lamp lay on its side on the floor beside it, its bulb flickering weakly, casting wavering shadows across the room. It was righted, the light now illuminating the mess with a harsh clarity. Gaze fell on a framed photo, discarded and cracked, and heart clenched painfully. Caring nothing for the people depicted, it was picked up anyway, the glass cool and sharp against fingers, and placed back on the desk with a tenderness that hadn’t been thought possible in a long time.

The bed was a confusing tangle, the sheets damp with sweat and twisted like the troubled thoughts inside the mind. The edges of the blanket were smoothed with quick, efficient movements, fingers hesitating slightly on the figure cocooned there before hands came to rest on the shoulders, tracing the scar they knew to be there. The one given by those very same hands.

Removing them, eyes darted around the room, absorbing the rest of the disorder she’d left behind in her panic. Pens and pencils were scattered everywhere like tiny soldiers fallen in disarray. The closet door hung ajar, clothes spilling out in a colourful flood, some hastily shoved into a small, open black suitcase. Feet moved on their own, navigating the mess, while hands reached down to grasp the clothing. Some pieces were hung in the closet, while others were neatly folded and placed in the nearby dresser.

Feet paused by the window on their way back to the bed, eyes drawn to the darkened campus outside. The world beyond seemed so calm, so indifferent, much like it had been that day years ago. Except, unlike the young woman—the brown-haired girl sleeping under the sheets, muttering frantic words to herself, caught in the throes of a bad dream—she knew how to move on. To accept that sometimes life, instead of lemons, throws grenades at your feet, forcing you to be quick enough to dodge them or risk losing everything.

Sierra had believed Harper knew this as well, had learned this lesson at some point during the years she’d hidden what she was from her. She had thought Harper understood the necessity of moving on, of adapting to whatever life threw at you. But she’d been wrong. Or, better yet, it was like her sister was prone to throwing herself on those grenades, and for what? For those she refused to even open up to? Why was she here, alone, dealing with something that not even the faux redhead could understand?

Was it pride? Or, resentfully she thought, a way for her to keep them chained to each other in this way?

It just didn’t make any damn sense.

The room was silent, save for the soft sound of Harper’s breathing. Sierra looked down at her now, a deep, frustrated sigh escaping her lips.

“Just slay your own dragons already.”

^{_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: Strigidae Dorms - Pacific Royal Campus}

Dance Monkey #4.010: Crossroads

^{_{___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): Sierra (Supporting Cast), Aurora-@Melissa}

Previously: Crash

Harper’s eyelids fluttered open, her senses groggy and disoriented as the world slowly came into focus. The soft, muted light seeping through the curtains felt foreign and disconcerting, like an unexpected visitor in the haze of her confusion. The room, bathed in its gentle glow, seemed both familiar and strange as if she were seeing it for the first time. Her mind struggled to piece together fragments of dreams and reality, the boundary between them blurred. She recalled only a few things at first, like her stumbling inside her room, exhausted from the day’s events.

Well no…that wasn’t quite it, was it? There was also the matter of the loss of yet another person in her life.

The sudden weight of grief pressed down on her chest at the resurgence of Jim’s news, making each breath a struggle, as if the very air had turned against her. The fragments of her past and present collided in a painful dance in her head, each memory a sharp jab to her heart. Harper’s vision blurred with unshed tears, the room around her spinning in a disorienting whirl. She clutched at her chest, trying to steady herself, the ache of loss almost too much to bear. It was only when she felt something move beside her, a gentle shift in the bed, that she managed to pull herself from the edge of despair.

Harper’s hand flew to her chest in shock as she pushed herself up from the bed, her heart pounding wildly. The memories of the previous night began to align themselves, each one falling into place as she turned to investigate the movement beside her. Her vision, still adjusting, gradually sharpened, revealing the figure lying next to her.

Sierra was there, her arm draped over Harper’s waist, her vibrant red hair spilling over her face like a fiery cascade that caught the light and shimmered like molten lava. The sight of her sister, so close and comforting, brought a rush of relief, grounding Harper in the present moment. She took a deep breath, the weight of her earlier hysteria slowly lifting, replaced by a warmth that she gratefully welcomed.

Sierra was here. And she could see her.

She could see.

Harper’s eyes lingered on Sierra, taking in every detail with a newfound clarity. The gentle rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathed, the way her hair framed her face in a wild, yet beautiful disarray. The faint scar above Sierra’s eyebrow from a childhood accident, the way her lips parted slightly as she breathed, and the small, almost imperceptible smile that tugged at the corners of her lips—all of it filled Harper with a profound sense of love and protection. She noticed the way Sierra’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if she were dreaming, and the soft, rhythmic sound of her breathing that seemed to sync with Harper’s own heartbeat. Every detail, from the warmth radiating from Sierra’s body to the subtle scent of her shampoo, enveloped Harper in a cocoon of safety and affection, making her feel more grounded and cherished than ever before.

She reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Sierra’s face. The touch was light, almost reverent, as if she feared waking her sister from her well-deserved rest. She’d earned it, after everything Harper had put her through.
Harper remembered now the way she had frantically gotten out of bed, almost tripping on the edge of the desk she could no longer see. She had stumbled blindly, her hands outstretched in a desperate attempt to find something—anything—that would anchor her in the darkness. Her fingers had brushed against the cool, smooth surface of the desk, knocking over a lamp that clattered to the floor with a deafening crash. The sound had only heightened her anxiety, her breaths coming in shallow, rapid bursts as she tried to navigate the room. Each step had felt like an eternity, her hand practically slamming on and throwing open the closet door once she had managed to grasp it.

The darkness had been all-encompassing, a void that seemed to swallow Harper whole. She had reached inside, feeling for the familiar textures of her clothes, the soft fabric of her shirts and the rougher material of her jeans. Her fingers had brushed against the empty suitcase, a small, black rectangle that she had hastily shoved into the closet once it had been unpacked earlier that semester. She had pulled it out, her movements frantic and uncoordinated, clothes spilling out in a colorful flood as she tried to pack. Her hands had shaken as she stuffed clothes into the suitcase, each item a futile attempt to fill the void inside her.

To go where with it, Harper had been unsure. To the home that had never truly come to feel that way, that held no comfort and no sense of belonging? To the one that was no longer hers to apply that label to? All she had known was that she couldn’t stay here. There was no place for her here if she was like this. No reason.

And then, as if the universe had heard and wanted to remind her it was listening, Sierra had appeared. Her presence had been a beacon in the storm, her voice slicing through the dense fog of Harper’s panic. Harper remembered the way Sierra’s hands had felt, warm and reassuring, as they settled on her shoulders. The touch had been grounding, a tether to reality that she had clung to—perhaps too tightly, given the fresh scratches on Sierra’s arms. A bit of guilt swirled in Harper’s stomach at the sight now, yet she knew better than to think it would be held against her.

Carefully, Harper began to remove Sierra’s arm from around her. She moved with the utmost caution, her heart pounding in her chest as she gently lifted it into the air. Her hand paused mid-motion, however, when Sierra slightly stirred, a faint murmur escaping her lips. The brunette froze, her breath catching in her throat. She held her breath, her eyes now fixed on her sister’s face, waiting to see if she would wake. As the seconds ticked by, her eyes traced the lines of her face, committing every detail to memory as if it were the last time she would see her like this.

Finally, Sierra’s breathing remained steady, and Harper let out a silent sigh of relief. Her fingers shook slightly as she carefully placed Sierra’s arm back on the bed, slipping out from under the covers with the utmost care. She stood up, her legs feeling a bit unsteady, as if the weight of the night’s events had settled into her bones. Each step felt tentative, her muscles still remembering the tension from earlier. She made her way to her desk where her phone lay, picking it up and unlocking the screen with her thumb. The time flashed before her eyes, and she realized with a start that she had missed breakfast, and her morning classes, and it was almost lunchtime. She had overslept, her body clearly demanding the rest after the previous night’s ordeal.

The next thing she opened were a few unread messages, some insignificant but two managing to catch her attention. The first one was from Cass, its content an unsolvable mystery until she completely opened it.

For a moment, all Harper could do was stare at the screen, her mind struggling to process the words in front of her. The room seemed to fade away, the sounds around her muffled as her focus narrowed to the message.

Lorcán was going to be okay.

The words seemed to pulse on the screen, each letter read and reread sending a powerful wave of relief through her. She felt her eyes filling with tears, a mix of overwhelming emotions threatening to spill over. She stifled the tears for the sake of the sleeping person in the room, not wanting to disturb the fragile peace that had settled thanks to her and now this.

Lorcán was not going to die.

She could almost hear his voice, see his smile, and it brought a small, genuine smile to her own lips. Harper knew that the road to recovery might still be long, but the fact that he was out of immediate danger was a victory in itself. One that she would gladly take and desperately needed.

The second message was from Aurora, which Harper read, a smile still on her face as she typed out a response:

Heyyy!! Just read the good news. Yea, yea I know I’m late shut up.🙄

Just stop by whenever you’re free tonight around 7, maybe? We have so much to talk about hehehehe 😉Luv you 😘

Oh and there…might be someone here that I want you to meet.

Her finger hovered over the send button, her eyes drifting back to Sierra, still peacefully asleep. The sight of her sister, so serene and undisturbed, brought a bittersweet ache to Harper’s chest. This part of her life, her loss and who still remained, had always been, well…for her. It was a private sanctuary, a place where her mind could hold onto the memories of those she had lost and navigate the complexities of her grief. Sharing it felt like exposing a raw, vulnerable part of herself.

It didn’t help that for years Sierra had not been in her life. The distance between them had been a chasm, filled with silence and missed opportunities. Reconnecting had been a slow, delicate process, like mending a fragile piece of glass. Harper feared that introducing Sierra to this part of her life might shatter the fragile peace they had built.

Aurora didn’t even know she had a sister.

She looked at the unsent reply, her lip curling in to rest on the tips of her teeth, a nervous habit she had never quite shaken and probably never would.

Then, shaking her head, she erased the last sentence and pressed send.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

A8-130-G1B-88

A

mid 20s (she's not sure) | Human | Female | Umbra Corp, Test Subject | 5’4 | 130 lbs

Abyssal Connection: Forced Subjugation

#1 Hemorrhage

She can cause a person's nose or ears to bleed, causing discomfort and mild disorientation. This ability has a short range and requires a direct line of sight.

#2 Blood Sense

She can sense nearby living creatures' location and general health status by "feeling" their blood flow. This ability has a limited range and does not provide specific details about the creatures.

(Locked) #3 Blood Puppetry

She can control the movements of a target by manipulating their blood flow. This ability requires intense concentration and has a limited duration. It also causes significant strain on her, leading to fatigue and potential nosebleeds.

---

Goal: A’s primary goal is to regain control over her life and protect her fellow test subjects. She is determined to uncover the truth behind their imprisonment and experimentation, and to seek justice for the wrongs done to them. Ultimately, she aims to dismantle the organization that has manipulated and violated them, ensuring that no one else suffers the same fate.

Additionally, A is driven by a personal quest to recover her lost memories. She hopes that by piecing together her past, she can understand the full extent of her abilities and the reasons behind her selection as a test subject. This journey of self-discovery is crucial for her to find closure and reclaim her identity.

Personality: A is resilient and resourceful, with an unyielding determination to overcome any obstacle. Despite the trauma and suffering she has endured, she remains fiercely protective of her friends and allies. Her past experiences have made her wary and distrustful of authority figures, but they have also instilled in her a deep sense of empathy for those who are oppressed or mistreated.

A is driven by a strong moral compass and a desire for justice, often putting herself at risk to help others. She struggles with the temptation to give in to the darkness within her, but her resolve to fight for a better future keeps her grounded. Her cautious and strategic nature often puts her at odds with those who prefer more direct or ruthless methods, but she remains steadfast in her beliefs.

A’s quest to recover her lost memories adds a layer of vulnerability to her otherwise strong exterior. She is haunted by the fragments of her past, which fuel her determination to uncover the truth and reclaim her identity. This journey of self-discovery is crucial for her to find closure and to understand the full extent of her abilities.

History: A woke with others who were the same as her, fellow test subjects. During her time at the facility with them, she recovered a few of her memories. She remembered being mercilessly bullied as a child, with tormentors often resorting to physical violence. One harrowing memory involved being shoved into a wall, resulting in a severe nosebleed and a broken nose. Another memory was of a car accident as a teenager, causing the death of her best friend. She vividly remembered the blood pooling on the asphalt and the feeling of helplessness as she watched her friend succumb to their injuries.

Left with more questions than answers, A now travels with the remaining members of this group to the city of Ehlm in an attempt to kill the Wild King.

Inventory: Umbra Corp Skin Suit: A sleek, dark suit designed for agility and protection.

Hematic Rebreather Mask: A specialized piece of equipment designed to enhance A’s blood-bending abilities while providing essential respiratory support.

Utility Belt: Equipped with various tools, including a small knife, lockpicks, and a compact flashlight.

Medical Kit: Contains first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a few vials of blood coagulant for emergency use.

Ration Bars and Water Bottles: Essential for sustenance during long missions.

Communication Device: A compact, encrypted radio for secure communication with her team.

Notebook and Pen: For jotting down observations, plans, and any recovered memories.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions: Sunni-@The Savant}

---

“Thank you for being kind,” Sunni said, smiling.

Kind. Is that what she was in this moment, truly? Elara’s thoughts churned, questioning her own sincerity. Would a genuinely kind person hesitate to tell the truth? The doubt gnawed at her, making her wonder if she was merely playing a part. “You really don’t have to thank me,” she said nonetheless. I’m just trying not to hurt you.

“You would probably learn about Aurelian culture better from the prince or the sun priestess… or something…” the man stated then, his voice sounding uncertain. Elara noticed the doubt flickering in his eyes, and an instinctive urge to reassure him surged within her. She wanted him to know that his perspective was not only valuable but deeply desired by her. After all, how else could they be expected to get along here despite their differences?

“Your experience is bound to be different from theirs and no less interesting, I’m sure,” she said gently, shuffling nervously under the intensity of his stare. Her eyes followed his gaze as it, thankfully, moved to the lake, soaking in the serene beauty before them. The water’s calm surface mirrored the sky, creating a tranquil scene that eased her tension. As he bent to pick up yet another rock, her eyes brightened at the mention of the books he enjoyed reading. Romance, in particular, had always been one of her favourites, and she felt a spark of connection at this shared interest.

“It’s been a busy time for all of us,” Elara said, her voice tinged with weariness. “But maybe we can find some time to read together. It might be a nice way to relax and take our minds off things.” Her face immediately blanched upon realizing what she’d suggested. More time with the man. More false hope. She shook her head, clearing it of such nonsense. “After…the winter preparations are completed, of course,” she added quickly, her face paling even further. That was not what she was supposed to say either.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

The original image I used for her is gone, but I suppose it's not the end of the world since some time has passed right?

A8-130-G1B-88

A

mid 20s (she's not sure) | Human | Female | Umbra Corp, Test Subject | 5’4 | 130 lbs

Abyssal Connection: Forced Subjugation

#1 Hemorrhage

She can cause a person's nose or ears to bleed, causing discomfort and mild disorientation. This ability has a short range and requires a direct line of sight.

#2 Blood Sense

She can sense nearby living creatures' location and general health status by "feeling" their blood flow. This ability has a limited range and does not provide specific details about the creatures.

(Locked) #3 Blood Puppetry

She can control the movements of a target by manipulating their blood flow. This ability requires intense concentration and has a limited duration. It also causes significant strain on her, leading to fatigue and potential nosebleeds.

---

Goal: A’s primary goal is to regain control over her life and protect her fellow test subjects. She is determined to uncover the truth behind their imprisonment and experimentation, and to seek justice for the wrongs done to them. Ultimately, she aims to dismantle the organization that has manipulated and violated them, ensuring that no one else suffers the same fate.

Additionally, A is driven by a personal quest to recover her lost memories. She hopes that by piecing together her past, she can understand the full extent of her abilities and the reasons behind her selection as a test subject. This journey of self-discovery is crucial for her to find closure and reclaim her identity.

Personality: A is resilient and resourceful, with an unyielding determination to overcome any obstacle. Despite the trauma and suffering she has endured, she remains fiercely protective of her friends and allies. Her past experiences have made her wary and distrustful of authority figures, but they have also instilled in her a deep sense of empathy for those who are oppressed or mistreated.

A is driven by a strong moral compass and a desire for justice, often putting herself at risk to help others. She struggles with the temptation to give in to the darkness within her, but her resolve to fight for a better future keeps her grounded. Her cautious and strategic nature often puts her at odds with those who prefer more direct or ruthless methods, but she remains steadfast in her beliefs.

A’s quest to recover her lost memories adds a layer of vulnerability to her otherwise strong exterior. She is haunted by the fragments of her past, which fuel her determination to uncover the truth and reclaim her identity. This journey of self-discovery is crucial for her to find closure and to understand the full extent of her abilities.

History: A woke with others who were the same as her, fellow test subjects. During her time at the facility with them, she recovered a few of her memories. She remembered being mercilessly bullied as a child, with tormentors often resorting to physical violence. One harrowing memory involved being shoved into a wall, resulting in a severe nosebleed and a broken nose. Another memory was of a car accident as a teenager, causing the death of her best friend. She vividly remembered the blood pooling on the asphalt and the feeling of helplessness as she watched her friend succumb to their injuries.

Left with more questions than answers, A now travels with the remaining members of this group to the city of Ehlm in an attempt to kill the Wild King.

Inventory: Umbra Corp Skin Suit: A sleek, dark suit designed for agility and protection.

Hematic Rebreather Mask: A specialized piece of equipment designed to enhance A’s blood-bending abilities while providing essential respiratory support.

Utility Belt: Equipped with various tools, including a small knife, lockpicks, and a compact flashlight.

Medical Kit: Contains first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a few vials of blood coagulant for emergency use.

Ration Bars and Water Bottles: Essential for sustenance during long missions.

Communication Device: A compact, encrypted radio for secure communication with her team.

Notebook and Pen: For jotting down observations, plans, and any recovered memories.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

I'll get my sheet in by tomorrow :)

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: Strigidae Dorms - Pacific Royal Campus}

Take On Me #3.071: Crash

^{_{___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: Finding Haven

Harper trudged back to her dorm, her vision flickering erratically. The world around her transformed into a disorienting dance of vibrant hues and shadowy voids. The chaotic blend of heat signatures and sharp details created a surreal, almost nightmarish landscape. Each step felt like a monumental effort. Her thoroughly wet sneakers squelched on the carpeted floor, making her feel like a swamp monster stalking its prey in a horror movie. The adrenaline that had once surged through her veins was now a distant memory, replaced by a bone-deep weariness that gnawed at her resolve. She longed for the sanctuary of her room, where she could finally collapse and let the exhaustion consume her.

However, she was afraid. Very afraid of what was happening to her.

Harper had never experienced pain when using her ability before. Her enhanced vision had always been a reliable tool, a gift that set her apart and made her invaluable to her team. Now, it felt like a curse. The erratic flickering of her vision was accompanied by sharp, stabbing pains in her temples. Each flicker sent a jolt of agony through her skull. She was terrified to turn it off, fearing the unknown consequences. What if the pain didn’t stop? What if it got worse? She couldn’t even recall the last time she’d felt this out of control, or what she’d done to regain that control. Now, it was all slipping between her fingers, and she was helpless to stop it.

Harper’s fingers shook as she finally managed to grasp the handle of her door. Her knuckles were white with the effort of turning it. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as she pushed the door open and stumbled inside. Yet, the familiar surroundings of her dorm room offered little comfort. The posters on the walls, the neatly arranged books on her desk, all seemed to blur together in a haze of pain and fear. She leaned against the door for support, her legs threatening to give out beneath her.

Taking a few shaky steps forward, Harper’s hand trailed along the wall to keep her balance. She needed to get to her bed, to lie down and try to make sense of what was happening to her. But each step was a struggle. Her body felt heavy and uncooperative. She finally reached the edge of her bed and collapsed onto it, her head pounding with every beat of her heart. The room spun around her, the familiar surroundings now a blur of colours and shapes. She closed her eyes, hoping that the darkness would bring some relief from the relentless pain and confusion.

As she lay there, the sounds of the dorm filtered through her haze of pain. The distant hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, a constant, low drone that seemed to amplify the throbbing in her temples. Footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway, accompanied by the occasional murmur of voices, muffled and indistinct. Somewhere down the hall, a door slammed shut, the sharp sound reverberating through her skull like a gunshot. The rhythmic ticking of her bedside clock was a relentless reminder of each passing second, each beat synchronized with the pounding in her head. Even the rustle of her own clothes as she shifted on the bed seemed unbearably loud, a cacophony of noise in her hypersensitive state.

Harper knew she had to turn off her ability, but the thought of doing so filled her with dread. The pain was already unbearable, and the idea of intensifying it felt like willingly stepping into a fire. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her hands trembled uncontrollably. The room seemed to close in around her, the walls pressing in as if they were alive. She could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears, a relentless drumbeat that matched the throbbing in her temples. The air felt thick and heavy, each breath a struggle against the weight of her fear. But it was now or never. And never wasn’t really much of an option.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Harper kept her eyes shut, focusing on the familiar process of shutting down. The world around her faded into darkness, and for a fleeting moment, she felt a flicker of relief. But then the pain surged, a searing wave that threatened to overwhelm her, crashing through her like a relentless storm. She bit down on her lip, tasting the metallic tang of blood, as she fought to stay conscious. The darkness, which was supposed to bring solace, instead enveloped her in a new kind of torment.

It felt like peeling her eyes back layer by layer, each one more excruciating than the last. The pain was searing, a white-hot agony that made her cry out. She clutched her head, tears streaming down her face as she fought to complete the process. All the while, various images flashed through her mind: her hovering the scalpel near the clone’s face, her holding Aurora as she cried into her shoulders, her hugging Haven in her room, not wanting to let go but unable to say more. Her hand brushing the window sill, feeling her heart drop into her stomach upon finding a golden strand of hair there. Haven, safe and sound, clutching onto Rory as if her life depended on it. Jim informing them of Lorcán’s condition, of his impending death. Of yet another loss she’d been powerless to stop.

And then, finally, her looking up at her father with stars in her eyes, the words “Hey, it’s just like mine! That’s how you know it’s meant to be!” tumbling out of her mouth.

Her vision continued to flicker behind her eyelids, the vibrant hues and shadowy voids giving way to a blinding whiteness that consumed her entire field of view. It felt as though she was being torn apart from the inside, the pain radiating through her entire body in relentless waves. She gasped for breath, her chest heaving with each desperate inhale as she struggled to maintain consciousness. The familiar sounds of the dorm faded into the background, replaced by a deafening roar in her ears, drowning out everything else. Her surroundings blurred, the once comforting space now a distant memory as she fought against the overwhelming agony. Each heartbeat sent a fresh surge of pain through her. All she could do was beg for it to be over and done with already.

And then it was. With one last, agonizing effort, Harper felt the world around her dim. The pain in her head reached a crescendo before slowly beginning to subside. She lay there, panting and trembling, her body drenched in sweat. The tank top beneath her hoodie clung uncomfortably to her skin. The relief was fleeting, the pain still a dull throbbing in her temples, but it was enough to allow her a moment of respite.

Her breath slowly steadied, and she dared to open her eyes, the world around her a blank canvas, an endless expanse of darkness that offered no comfort or familiarity.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions: Sunni-@The Savant}

---

Elara watched Sunni with fascination and guilt, her heart aching as she observed the pure joy and meaning he found in these simple rocks. Each stone seemed to hold a world of wonder for him, and she regretted her earlier dismissal of his passion. The way his eyes lit up, the gentle reverence in his touch, made her realize how much she had underestimated the beauty in his interests. “They are beautiful,” she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity and newfound appreciation. “I can see why you like them.” Well, perhaps that was stretching the truth somewhat. She was, after all, only now being introduced to his world.

She watched as he picked up another rock, a genuine smile spreading across Elara’s face at his story, her heart warming at his enthusiasm. Yet, the smile faltered when he requested a change of topic, subtly hinting at her previous disinterest in his passion. A pang of guilt pierced her, and she shook her head in silent dissent, her chest tightening.

“I care very much about learning things about you,” she said, her voice earnest and tinged with regret. “Your…culture is very much different from mine, but this is good. Lots to learn.”

As for the question of painting, Elara laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I’m afraid I was not blessed with any artistic talents. Although I do love a good book from time to time.” Her mind wandered to the countless hours she had spent lost in the pages of her favourite novels, finding solace and adventure in their stories. She hoped he could see the sincerity in her words, a small window into her own passions.

“Are there any you enjoy in particular? Books, I mean.”

"What Did They Do To Us?" - A Mysterious Supernatural Escape RP!!

A

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A’s resolve crumbled as she imagined the perilous fate awaiting her friends. The thought of VV and D navigating the treacherous unknown without her was unbearable. Fear and distrust of the administrator gnawed at her, but the bond with her newfound friends was stronger. She couldn’t abandon them in their time of need, no matter the cost.

And she did not want to die. Not now. Not like this.

So, with a heavy heart, she nodded.

“Fine, I’ll do it,” A said, her eyes clouding with sorrow as Pia’s face flashed in her mind. She watched the administrator turn away, a crushing sense of defeat washing over her. She had chosen to comply, to sacrifice her own freedom for the sake of her friends. Yet, the decision felt like a pact with the devil, a chilling trade of one prison for another.

As the restraints fell away, A gingerly sat up, her muscles protesting from prolonged disuse. She swung her legs over the edge of the gurney, the icy touch of the floor sending a shiver up her spine.

She hesitated momentarily, her heart pounding in her chest as uncertainty gnawed at her. What lay beyond this sterile room? The unknown loomed large, a shadowy specter that both beckoned and repelled her. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for whatever awaited.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions: Sunni-@The Savant}

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Elara forced a small smile, though her heart felt like a lead weight, burdened by the knowledge that she was postponing a conversation she dreaded. She clung to the hope that the walk might offer some clarity, even as anxiety gnawed at her, whispering fears of the inevitable fallout. “Yes, I suppose a walk would be nice,” she said, her voice barely masking her concerns. She needed the fresh air, the distraction, anything to delay the moment of truth. And as she took his offered hand, she really believed she could do it. Deny the truth.

Following him out of the cabin, Elara inhaled the crisp, cool morning air, savouring the light breeze that rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. The path to the lake was well-trodden, the ground soft and yielding beneath her feet. Above, the sky was a muted gray, the clouds heavy with the promise of more snow, though for now, the weather held its breath. The waning gibbous moon hung low, casting a gentle glow over the landscape, adding a touch of magic to the serene scene. Each step felt like a small escape from the looming conversation, a momentary reprieve in the tranquil beauty of the morning.

Of course, this couldn’t last.

“So…” Elara began, breaking the peaceful silence, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said last night.” Her voice wavered with uncertainty, her eyes darting to Sunni, trying to gauge his reaction. “About… about rocks. You like them. Um.” She paused, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, a light blush overtaking her. “Why do you like them?”