Gallery featuring character works from my project, Branches Of Sunshire. Photo Album

☾ Hivernal-Wielder/Potions ☾ INTJ - 24 - ♀ - 5'5" - Lesbian Biography Nari Choi is the cold, aloof, and dramatic Hivernal-Wielder residing in the basement apartment of 'The Majique Manor'. She is difficult to get to know, as she is quick to write people off with snap judgements and keep them out with her icy walls and blockshield spells. She is particularly averse to Sole-Wielders, due to past traumas and her fear of fire. Nari is the more serious member of the household, in contrast to Madelyn's goofy nature and Juniper's mellow one. She is overprotective of herself and her friends, casting a 'block-shield' spell around the manor's gates to keep pretty much the whole town out. Nari dislikes and refuses to use 'commonfolk' inventions and technologies, opting to live her life as if it were the Victorian era, sending her raven, Dalnim, as a messenger instead of using a telephone. Nari has a special bond with her familiar, Dalnim the raven. Dalnim gathers items she needs for spells and spies on people she doesn't trust. Dalnim is also a guardian of the manor. Nari is fond of beautiful women and has her fetishes revolving around BDSM and tickling. But she is romantically averse, due to losing her lover many moons ago. Relationships Housemate/Friend Friend/Housemate Enemy Enemy Gallery Characters

𓋼 Harvestial-Wielder𓋼 ESTJ - 23 - ♀ - 6'0" - Pansexual Biography Jacqueline is the twin sister of Juniper. DESIGN Jacqueline's staff, designed by TheVerdantHawk Relationships Rival Sister Rival Rival Rival Rival Gallery Characters

Branches Of Sunshire Chapter 5 Selene Valley Ashley sat at the dining room table with Juniper and Blake, eating their freshly cooked pancakes. Juniper had set out various toppings to choose from. Blake cut a lemon into wedges and squeezed a drizzle over his pancakes, and sprinkled brown sugar on top. Juniper delicately placed strawberries on her pancakes. Ashley eyed the cold tub in Juniper’s hand, intrigued. Ashley: “Ooh, what’s that creamy stuff from the cold room?” They asked, looking over towards the frozen butler’s pantry. Juniper: “Ice cream! Want some?” She chuckled and handed them the container. Ashley: “Yes, please!” They scooped up a big spoonful and plonked it onto their pancake. Blake turned to them. Blake: “Maybe you should try it first before taking a big scoop, Ash.” He said, cutting up his pancake and taking a bite. Ashley: “Why is that?” They asked, turning to him as they drizzled maple syrup on their pancakes. Blake: “What if you don’t like it? Now your breakfast is ruined!” He groused. Ashley: “But what if I like it?! Then it made my breakfast better!” They assured him, taking a spoonful. Their eyes widened as the cold, sweet combination melted in their mouth. It was unlike anything they had ever tasted, or even thought possible, back home. Ashley: “Oh my stars! I love it!” They grabbed the tub and plopped another generous scoop onto their plate. Blake shook his head. Blake: “I think that’s enough, Ash.” He held up his hand. Juniper: “You know what goes amazing with ice cream?!” She smiled at Ashley. Ashley: “What?” They turned to her, eating their ice cream. Juniper: “Sprinkles!” She picked up the rainbow sprinkles and scattered them over Ashley’s ice cream. Blake gaped at her. Ashley eyed the rainbow colours curiously, then dug in, took another bite, and relished the sweeter flavours. Ashley: “Oh wow, this IS better!” They reached for the rainbow sprinkle container, but Blake swiped it away. Ashley gave him an incredulous look. Madelyn skipped into the dining room and joined them at the table. Madelyn: “Shoes on, Ashley! We’re going on a quest!” She announced, drizzling maple syrup all over her pancakes, then adding a scoop of ice cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. Ashley: “Oh, uh, I don’t have any shoes, haha! Quest?!” They glanced down at their bare feet. Madelyn shovelled a mouthful and swallowed. Madelyn: “Not a problem! What kind of shoes do you want?” She raised her hand and summoned her staff. Ashley: “Hmm, something where my feet are showing!” They pondered, finishing their pancakes. Madelyn: “So, like, sandals? Okay!” She picked up the vase, then dumped the flowers onto Ashley’s feet. Ashley: “Hehe!” Chuckling as the icy water and flower petals splashed over their toes, Ashley watched Madelyn swirl her staff in a sweeping motion. The petals stretched like vibrant ribbons of silly string, weaving around their feet until they blossomed into a pair of custom burgundy sandals. Ashley: “Ooh, I love them, thank you, Madelyn!” They smiled down at the sandals, admiring her craftsmanship. Ashley carefully slipped the shoes off their feet and set them aside. Madelyn: “Wait, why are you taking them off?” She gasped, looking dejected. Ashley: “Because it’s bad luck wearing shoes inside the house!” They explained. Juniper: “It is?!” She gasped. Madelyn: “Oh crap! No wonder I’m so unlucky!” She laughed. Blake rolled his eyes. Blake: “It’s not bad luck; it’s just poor etiquette.” He took a bite of his breakfast. Blake: “Nothing bad is going to happen to you for wearing shoes inside the house, Ashley.” He assured them. Ashley looked uncertain. Blake turned his attention to Madelyn and folded his arms. Blake: “What do you mean by a ‘quest?!’” Madelyn shifted her eyes to Juniper. Madelyn: “Oh, we just need to pick up some things from Selene Valley…” She busied herself with her pancakes, avoiding their gazes. Ashley: “Selene Valley?!” Their eyes lit up, eager to explore the town beyond the manor’s gates. Blake’s chair scraped against the hardwood as he rose. Blake: “NO! Ashley is NOT going!” His voice cut through the conversation like a sledgehammer. Ashley and Madelyn turned to him. Ashley: “But I wanna go, Blake!” They protested, rising from their seat and grabbing their sandals. Blake: “Are you serious after last night’s incident?!” His voice rose, trembling with frustration and worry. Ashley’s shoulders slumped. Blake: “No, you’re not to leave this house again!” He shook his head. Ashley recoiled with a sting. Madelyn: “What, like freaking Rapunzel?!” She laughed bitterly. Ashley: “I’m an adult, Blake; you can’t tell me what to do! I can make my own decisions!” They snapped. Blake: “You clearly can’t! Look what happened last night!” He fixed his gaze on them. Ashley bowed their head. Madelyn: “Don’t worry, I’ll ward off Makayla!” She swung her staff in a crooked arc to reassure them. Blake turned back to her. Blake: “I don’t trust you either!” He glared at her. Juniper: “Oh, Madelyn can take care of herself! And Ashley!” She gave him an encouraging smile and a confident wave. Blake: “I very much doubt that.” He shook his head at Madelyn as she shovelled pancakes into her mouth. Blake: “Besides, that isn’t the point!” He drew a breath, sat back down in his chair, and locked his glare on the women. Ashley sighed, tuning out the argument as they glanced out the window and admired Selene Valley's silhouette in the distance, framed by the mountains. We’re going to be here all day; Blake won’t stop arguing until everyone agrees with him, they thought bitterly, looking back at the table to see Blake’s attention fixed on Madelyn and Juniper. Blake: “The point is, I don’t trust you, and I know what’s best for Ashley!” Ashley looked at Blake, hoping he would reconsider, but deep down, they knew he wouldn’t. Ashley gripped their sandals tightly. Well, he can win the argument without me. I don’t need his permission, and I don’t need a babysitter, they thought, slipping out of the room quietly. Juniper: “But you don’t even know us, so how can you trust us?” Madelyn noticed Ashley heading down the hallway, and she quietly followed them. Blake: “That’s exactly my point!” He threw his arms up. Juniper leaned forward and clasped her hands on the table. Juniper: “Then let’s get to know each other!” She held his gaze. Juniper: “What kinds of stuff do you enjoy doing, Blake?” She smiled at him. Blake: “What do you care?” Nari came up from the basement further down the hallway. Observing Ashley and Madelyn quietly slip outside, a smirk appeared on her face. She strolled to the dining room archway, using her wide, elaborate sleeves to hide the entrance behind her. Nari: “Happy birthday, Juniper!” She presented her with a neatly wrapped gift in black paper. Juniper and Blake turned to her, standing behind him. Juniper’s face lit up. Juniper: “Thank you, Nari!” She beamed and unwrapped her gift to reveal tiny glass mushroom earrings. Juniper: “Aww, that’s super cute! Thank you, Nari!” She rose and pulled her into a hug. Blake barely registered the exchange. His gaze drifted to the hallway, and Ashley's absence made him pause. Blake: “...Ashley?!” He shot up from his chair, scanned the dining room, then looked toward the hall. Juniper: “Oh! Where did Ashley and Madelyn go?” She released Nari and looked around. Blake turned sharply toward the front door. The argument came rushing back to him, along with Ashley’s obvious eagerness to go to Selene Valley. His expression fell as he put two and two together. Blake: “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” He hurried down the hall towards the door. Juniper: “Oh, they must have gone to Selene Valley.” She shrugged. Blake’s face crumpled. Blake: “That’s NOT going to happen!” He barged through the door and stormed into the garden, searching the grounds for any sign of Ashley or Madelyn. Juniper followed after him. Behind them, Nari stayed near the dining room archway, watching. ~ Blake: “ASHLEY!” He called out into the lush garden, but no one answered. Juniper: “Why don’t you want Ashley going to Selene Valley?” She asked him. Blake: “Ashley can’t be alone without me! I need to protect them!” He said through gritted teeth, barging through the iron gates. Juniper: “Why?” She asked, scratching her head. Blake stopped to stare at her. Blake: “Because they’re my sibling!” Juniper: “I know, but, like… why can’t they go anywhere without you?” She asked. Blake: “Do you have a younger sibling?!” He pressed her. Juniper: “No, I don’t have a younger sibling… ” Her smile faltered. Blake: “Then you wouldn’t understand!” He said firmly, marching towards the gate. Juniper: “Why don’t you trust Ashley?” She asked. Blake: “It’s not Ashley I don’t trust! It’s YOU!” He countered, barging through the iron gates and onto the road. Juniper frowned. Blake: “ASHLEY!” He hollered for them, looking in every direction, but saw no sign of them. Blake: “Where the FUCK did they go?!” He clutched his hair. Juniper summoned her wooden mushroom staff from below her feet. Juniper: “I can help you find them!” She offered with a smile. Blake turned to her. Blake: “I don’t need your help! I can do it myself!” He huffed and started marching down the road. Juniper: “How will you do that?” Blake turned back to her. Blake: “Well, what stupid places does Madelyn go to?” He threw his arms up. Juniper: “Hmm, let’s see… the arcade, SolarisPark, Voyage Burger, the beach…” She stroked her chin. Blake: “Okay, I’ll check there then.” He turned on his heel and continued walking. Juniper: “You’re going the wrong way. Town is that way!” She pointed down the mountain. Blake drew a breath. Blake: “Okay, thanks.” He walked toward where she pointed. Juniper held her staff over the ground and closed her eyes, focusing her energy and feeling the ground beneath her feet. Juniper: “They went through there!” She pointed toward a winding path through the trees. Blake: “How do you know that?!” He gave her a sceptical look. Juniper: “They left traces of energy behind in their footprints!” She pointed to the glowing footprints in the road, leading down a path through the trees toward the town. Blake: “I don’t see anything.” He huffed, scanning the ground for something, but finding nothing. Juniper: “Of course not! You’re not a Harvestial!” She shrugged, and they approached the winding path. ~ Nari watched them disappear into the woods; a smirk spread across her face as she closed the door behind them. She sauntered down the stairs into her basement apartment, quietly satisfied. Summoning her staff, she conjured a deep violet haze over the table. Candid photographs of Ashley and Blake in their Sunshire robes spread across the surface. Nari picked up the photographs, each with their names written on the back in her neat cursive writing. Nari: “Keep the sun away from here.” She chanted, binding each photograph with a black silk ribbon. Nari: “They shall not enter.” She submerged the bound photographs into a black wooden box filled with water. Raising her staff over the box, she exhaled, and the water froze. Nari: “As I will it, so shall it be.” She placed the lid on the box, sealing the photographs inside. ~ Madelyn and Ashley emerged from the bushland, and a living postcard unfolded before them. The salty breeze reached them first, heavy with eucalyptus and a subtle hint of fried food, which made their stomach rumble. Ashley: “OH MY STARS!” Their jaw dropped at the sight of the coastline, with winding roads cutting through the mountains. Rows of weathered houses and shops nestled against the lush green hillside. Below, a wooden boardwalk wrapped around the harbour, where a large wheel creaked above the rooftops, its colourful lights strung around its circular frame. Ashley looked back towards town, but a strange buzzing overhead caught their attention. They squinted up at what looked like a tree trunk, with thin black lines branching out and stretching between the treetops. Ashley: “What are those weird trees?! Where’s all the bees?” They pointed up at the wires, looking around for the source of the buzzing. Madelyn: “Haha, those are power lines!” Ashley: “Power lines…” Ashley stared at the wires and glanced back at the strange-looking tree trunk, their expression brightening as the idea clicked into place. Ashley: “OH! You mean elec-tree-city?!” They grinned. Madelyn laughed and looked up at the power lines. Madelyn: “Huh… maybe you were onto something about it being like a tree powering a city…” She tilted her head, looking at the power lines as she pondered. Ashley stepped onto the asphalt and ran up to the sign that read ‘Selene Valley - Where the ocean meets the mountains.’ Ashley: “Huh, I thought they referred to it as the Valley of the Moon?” Ashley glanced down as a deep vibration rattled from under their feet, followed by a metallic roar drawing near. Madelyn: “Ashley! Watch out!” Before Ashley could react, something emerged from the shade of the gum trees. It was shiny and red, with dark glass reflecting the trees. Ashley searched instinctively for legs or some kind of hidden creature powering it. Then the roar grew louder, swallowing every other sound. Ashley: “W-WHAT IS THAT?!” Ashley jolted back, instinctively reaching for their staff to defend themselves. Madelyn: “GET OFF THE ROAD!” She leaped forward, tackling Ashley down onto the grass strip, just as it roared past, kicking up a gust of wind. Ashley clutched their chest, trembling. For a moment, they could only stare at the road. Ashley: “W-what was that thing?!” They coughed through the exhaust fumes as it screeched around the bend and disappeared. Madelyn: “You never saw a car before?!” She gaped at them, catching her breath before standing up. Ashley: “A what?” They staggered to their feet, eyes fixed on the mechanical wonder. Madelyn: “It’s like a little metal room on wheels that you can travel around in when you don't wanna walk and wanna get to places really fast!” She explained, waving her arm in front of her face to show movement. Ashley: “Ooh! I like that!” They leaned over the bend to watch the cars cruising along the coastline below. Ashley: “Then why don’t you have a car?” They asked, turning back to her as they continued their descent into Selene Valley. Madelyn: “Because we can’t afford it!” She laughed, and they continued their journey down the road together. Ashley: “Oh, that’s a shame!” Madelyn: “It doesn’t matter anyway ‘cause we’re here!” She led them to the weathered brick building with a corrugated iron roof facing the picturesque mountains. A sign read ‘Woolcolga Grocers - Selene Valley’ with a teal illustration of the mountains below the text. They moved towards the entrance, where the bulletin board displayed local flyers, job offers, lost-pet ads, and event posters. Ashley watched, amazed, as the doors slid open as if some mysterious force was sliding them. Madelyn: “This is the grocery store!” Bright lights and the low hum of pop music greeted them as they stepped inside. Ashley: “Haha, I know what a grocery store is! We called them harvest markets!” They explained. Madelyn: “That’s so much better than ‘Woolcolga’!” She grabbed a plastic basket and hooked it under her arm. Madelyn: “What were we here for again?” Madelyn paused, stroked her chin, and couldn’t remember. Ashley: “The wine and the calendar!” They reminded her. Madelyn’s eyes lit up. Madelyn: “Yes, that’s right! Gotta get that Sweet Peach wine for Juniper!” She wove through the crowd toward the liquor section in the back. Ashley followed her, taking in their surroundings. It was as if a Sunshire harvest market had been turned up too bright, too loud, and too colourful. Ashley felt eyes following them. They glanced around and saw several people watching. Do they know I’m a Sole-Wielder?! They wondered, glancing down at themself, searching for something obvious. Nothing seemed out of place. Man: “What’s up, Red Riding Hood?” Ashley turned towards the voice and saw a man with a mullet grinning at Madelyn, his attention fixed on her red velvet cloak and dress. Madelyn glanced down at her outfit and the basket, and the comparison dawned on her. Madelyn: “OH! Haha, hey, dude, what’s up!” She playfully waved and continued into the liquor section. Ashley watched her go, puzzled. Why were people staring at Madelyn and calling her that name? Before Ashley could ponder it further, something caught their eye outside the window. It didn’t look like it belonged there, towering against the mountain backdrop and modern buildings. What was a giant ship doing in the middle of a town like this?! Ashley drifted towards it, curiosity tugging them along like a siren’s call. ~ By the time Blake and Juniper arrived in Selene Valley, Blake had grown weary. Lights flashed everywhere. Machines roared past on wheels. A giant metal structure spun in the distance, draped in lights. Why would anyone build something like that? What was the purpose of going in circles? Did people ride on it willingly, or was it some kind of punishment? He pondered. Juniper: “That’s a Ferris wheel.” Blake: “I don’t like it.” He shook his head in disapproval. The roar of an exhaust engine zoomed past them, drawing their attention. Juniper: “That’s a car!” She announced. Blake watched the car speed away down the road. That function makes sense, he thought. Why the hell didn’t we have that in Sunshire? Juniper: “That’s the milk bar, and that’s the video store—” She pointed around. Blake held his hand up to her. Blake: “Okay, I don’t need a tour guide.” He kept walking, taking in everything around him. Juniper: “Is there anywhere you wanna go?” She turned to him. Blake: “I just want to get Ashley and go home!” He no longer cared to question the madness around him; it all blurred as his tunnel vision fixed on Ashley. Juniper: “Don’t worry, they will be fine! We’ll find them!” She pointed her staff at the ground, as if scanning it for traces. Juniper: “We’re getting close!” She assured him. Blake’s expression loosened. Blake: “What the fuck is that?” First, he noticed the giant ship; second, the hamburgers. Juniper: “OH! That’s Voyage Burger! It’s a restaurant! Me and Brody go there every week—” Her face lit up. Blake held his hand up, cutting her off. Blake: “I know what a restaurant is!” He drew a slow breath and pointed at the ship. Blake: “My question is, why is it a ship?” Juniper glanced at the building, then back at him. Juniper: “Because it’s fun?” She shrugged and chuckled. Blake stared at her, then turned his attention back to the ridiculous maritime curiosity. That’s when he saw a familiar face. Ashley approached the enormous sign that read ‘VOYAGE BURGER’, recognising the horned hamburger logo from Makayla’s bass guitar. Beyond it stood a wooden ship in a shallow moat with a drawbridge. The ship’s ends curled into elaborate hamburgers, and a red-and-white striped sail billowed in the warm breeze. The smell of fried food swirled around Ashley, making their stomach rumble. Blake: “ASHLEY!” Ashley jolted out of their daze. Their excitement faltered as Blake’s voice dragged them back to their earlier argument, and they realised Blake had followed them into Selene Valley. Ashley: “Blake?! What are you doing here?” They slowly spun around to face him. Juniper approached behind Blake and hung back, keeping clear of the siblings’ confrontation. Blake: “What am I doing here? What are you doing here?! What the hell were you thinking?!” He threw his arms up. Ashley: “I was thinking I wanted to see Selene Valley!” They sighed. Blake: “After what happened last night? You can’t just walk out of the house without telling me!” His voice trembled. Ashley: “You wouldn’t let me go, and we’d just be arguing about it all day in circles!” They countered. Blake: “BECAUSE I WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU!” His words came out louder than he intended. Ashley flinched, and a silence fell between them. Ashley: “I’m sorry…” Their voice softened, and they wrapped their arms around themself, looking down at the ground. Ashley: “I know you’re worried about me, Blake, but that doesn’t mean you get to decide things for me…” Blake’s expression softened, though his jaw remained tense. Blake: “I’m just trying to keep you safe!” He sighed. Ashley: “Safe from what?” They glanced up at the Viking burger diner. Before Blake could respond, Madelyn rushed up to them, carrying a grocery bag, overflowing with more than just wine and a calendar. Madelyn: “There you are!” She stepped beside Ashley, huffing and puffing as she caught up. Blake swung his glare to her. Blake: “YOU! This is all your fault!” He pointed at her. Madelyn: “Whoa! What did I do?!” She drew back. Blake: “I knew I couldn’t trust you to look after Ashley! I was right.” He snapped. Ashley knitted their eyebrows, jumping in front of Madelyn. Ashley: “It’s not her fault, Blake! She saved me!” Blake turned towards Ashley, his anger faltering. Blake: “...Saved you from what?” He asked slowly. Ashley: “A car! It was coming at me, and Madelyn pulled me out of the way!” They glanced at Madelyn with gratitude. Blake stared at Ashley. Blake: “WHAT?! You almost got hit by one of those?!” His voice rose with concern. Ashley: “I didn’t know what it was, so how was I supposed to know?!” They threw their arms up. Blake: “This is exactly WHY I don’t want you going off without me, Ashley!” He stamped his heel to drive his point home. Ashley: “It’s not like you know what a car is either, Blake! Neither of us knows about this place!” They countered. Blake paused, his mouth opening before closing again. Blake: “That’s not the point!” He threw his arms up and glanced toward the road as another car roared past. Blake: “I don’t know what half the things in this place are, and neither do you! That’s exactly why you can’t just go wandering off without telling me!” He paced around, surveying his surroundings. Ashley: “What am I supposed to do, Blake, just sit around the house while you explain the world to me?” They embraced themself. Blake: “No, but you could at least tell me where you’re going!” Ashley: “I did, Blake! You said no! You spoke for me and decided for me!” Their voice cracked. Blake fell silent. Ashley: “How can I learn anything if you never let me make my own choices?! How am I supposed to understand anything if you won’t let me experience it?!” Their voice trembled. Blake: “I don’t know… but what am I supposed to do if something happens to you and I can’t find you or help you?!” His voice cracked, and his anger faltered, revealing the fear beneath it. They both fell silent for a moment. Ashley glanced between them, feeling like they were going in circles like that Ferris wheel. Ashley: “Can we not do this here?!” They looked around the Voyage Burger parking lot. A handful of people had stopped to watch the argument, while others tried to mind their own business. Blake followed their gaze, his shoulders stiffening as he drew a long breath. Blake: “We’re going home.” Ashley looked back at the enormous ship as its sail fluttered in the breeze. They’d barely begun exploring Selene Valley when they were already being dragged away. Ashley: “Fine…” They turned away and left together in silence. ~ Blake, Ashley, Madelyn, and Juniper returned to the manor's black iron gates. Blake: “We’ll discuss this inside!” He reached for the gate, but a sudden freezing shock surged through his hand, blasting him backward as though the gates had frozen him out. Ashley: “B-Blake?! What happened? Are you okay?” They gasped and rushed over to him. Juniper flinched, and Madelyn’s eyes grew larger. Madelyn: “Whoa! What the hell was that?!” Blake clutched his chest. Frost clung to his fingertips, and his face twisted with frustration and bewilderment. Blake: “Something’s wrong with the gate!” He staggered to his feet and glared at the gate. Juniper fixed her gaze on the gate. Juniper: “Hmm…” She approached the gate curiously. Blake: “What are you doing?! Get away from that!” Juniper ignored him and cautiously wrapped her hand around the iron bar. Ashley: “Oh, no, be careful, Juniper!” Juniper swung the gate open with no resistance and stepped through. Juniper: “The gate is fine!” She assured them with a smile, spreading her arms out. Blake gaped at her. Ashley: “Huh… that doesn’t make sense…” They rose and cautiously approached the entrance. Suddenly, an icy force struck their foot and hurled them backward. Blake: “ASHLEY!” He scrambled towards them. Madelyn: “Are you okay, Ash?” She knelt beside them. Ashley slowly sat up and stared at the open gate. Ashley: “It’s like… there’s an invisible gate beyond the gate.” They shuddered at their cold feet. Ashley: “… and it’s freezing cold!” They summoned their staff to warm their feet. Madelyn’s expression changed. Madelyn: “Cold, huh?” She exchanged a look with Juniper. Juniper paused when it dawned on her. Juniper: “Oh, this is Hivernal-Majique!” Madelyn twisted her mouth when she confirmed her suspicion. Madelyn: “NARI!” She snapped and marched through the gates with no hesitation or resistance. Ashley: “Nari? Why would she do this?!” The front door swung open, and Nari sauntered onto the veranda. Nari: “Oh, I see my little block-shield spell worked!” She proudly proclaimed. Blake: “YOU did this?!” He snapped at her through the gate.

Branches Of Sunshire Chapter 3 Welcome to Celestial Crescent Beneath a stained-glass window bearing an eight-pointed sun symbol, Ashley sat motionless, their steady breathing matching the soft purr of their cat on their lap. The radiant glow of the sun bathed them with warmth, while the low drone of ancient string instruments and percussion lulled them into a deep hypnotic trance. A faint waft of burning wood seeped into the room, cutting through the tranquil stillness, and the soothing drone of strings twisted frantically into something aggressive and unfamiliar. The ambient warmth ignited into scorching, hostile flames flickering across the walls. Ashley: “Mother?!” They panicked and scrambled up, clutching their cat as the room spun into a dark miasma of smoke. Ashley: “Father?!” They cried into the dark smoke, searching frantically, but there was no sign of life. Ashley: “LAKE?!” They screamed for their brother, their voice muffled by the blaring distortion. “BRANCH!” A hand bearing the sun tattoo tore through the dark smoke, gripping Ashley’s arm and yanking them out. Relief spread across Ashley’s face when they glanced up at their brother—just as the distorted music twisted into monstrous vocals. ~ Ashley jolted awake to woodsmoke and distorted music. They turned to the source—a warm glow of light from outside. They quietly slid out of bed and tiptoed over to the window, careful not to wake their sleeping brother on the couch. Over the fence and below, a dozen people laughed, drank, and chanted around a spinning clothesline, lit by the orange glow of a bonfire. The distorted music blared from a pair of outdoor speakers, echoing into the night. Curious, Ashley tiptoed to the bedroom door, slipped out onto the landing, and closed it behind them with a quiet click. ~ Ashley slipped out of the house, stepping into the warm night air, feeling the cool stone pavement against their bare soles. Moonlight lit the backyard, casting a shimmering reflection across the pool's surface. They sauntered over to the great elm tree by the fence and reached up to grab a low-hanging branch. They hoisted themselves up, gripping the trunk's rough bark with their bare feet, and scrambled into the tree for a closer look. The white weatherboard house stood in stark contrast to the grand Victorian mansion, with its chaotic energy and small size, and was hemmed in by the surrounding pine trees. The timber boards were chipped and decaying from decades of harsh sun and coastal humidity. Above it, the terracotta gable roof sat slightly askew, with missing tiles exposing the rafters below. Across the overgrown lawn, littered with beer cans, people sat in mismatched plastic lawn chairs and on milk crates, smoking and drinking. Behind them, across the other side of the yard, stood a tall wooden structure Ashley couldn’t identify. In the centre of the backyard, a Hills Hoist clothesline stood slightly crooked, wires strung with metallic silver sacks. People laughed and chattered as they took turns drinking from them, while a nearby bonfire cast a warm glow over the crowd. Something sparked within Ashley. The warmth, the light, and the communal joy and laughter pulled them in like moths to a flame, stirring their nostalgia for the home they missed so deeply. Suddenly, a sharp crack sounded as the branch snapped under their weight, sending them tumbling into the backyard, where they landed on the overgrown grass with a hard thud. Ashley groaned and slowly lifted their head to see a pair of black knee-high boots standing before them. They looked up at a woman with a wild, voluminous purple mane, a dark tan complexion, dramatic makeup, and freckles across her cheeks. She wore skin-tight black clothing that clung to her plump figure, leaving little to the imagination. Woman: “B-Br…” She stammered, her piercing green eyes staring at them as if she had just seen a ghost. Ashley staggered to their feet and glanced down at their ivory robe, letting out an awkward laugh. Ashley: “OH! Oh, no! Don't worry, I’m not a ghost, haha! I had this problem before!” They waved their hands with a friendly smile, trying to reassure her. Ashley: “I’m Ashley! Nice to meet you!” The woman snapped out of her daze, locking her gaze on them and drinking them in. Woman: “...Ashley?” She gave them a quizzical look. Ashley: “Uhh, yeah? That’s my name!” They chuckled and shifted their eyes. Woman: “What were you doing over there?” She flicked her gaze up at the elm tree leaning over the next door fence. Ashley: “Oh! I live there with my brother!” They explained, smiling up at the Victorian mansion towering over them. Woman: “...Really now?” She pondered, locking her gaze on Ashley with intrigue. Ashley looked around the backyard, drinking in the chaotic party scene with curiosity. Ashley: “So, what kind of ritual is this?” They chuckled at the mysterious silver sacks hanging off the Hills Hoist clothesline, curious and confused. Woman: “Ritual?! Haha, you’re so cute!” She cooed and laughed. Ashley smiled and blushed. Woman: “I guess it’s the ritual of partying and getting wasted off goon!” She grinned and scrunched one of the metallic sacks between her fingertips, chuckling. Ashley: “What is a goon?” They tilted their head, as if to signal her for answers. Woman: “Osolarian slang for wine.” She explained, waving a hand. Ashley: “OH! It’s wine?” Their eyebrows shot up in surprise. Ashley: “I never saw wine like that before! Why is it in a sack?” They stared up at the silver sacks swaying in the warm night air. Woman: “Because it makes it more fun that way!” She grinned, lifted the bag above her head, opened the nozzle, and took a long swing from the tap. Woman: “Your turn!” She spun the clothesline and swung the sack over to them. Ashley stared at it apprehensively, then leaned in and took a cautious sip. They recoiled with disgust as the sour liquid hit their tongue, and they burst into a coughing fit. Ashley: “O-oh my stars! That’s the worst wine I ever had!” They grumbled, wiping their mouth. Woman: “Aww, you poor thing!” The woman leaned in and patted their back. Woman: “Do you want some cake to wash away the bad taste?!” She cooed to them. Ashley’s eyes widened. Ashley: “Cake?! Ooh, yes please!” They beamed with excitement. The woman grinned and took their hand, guiding them through the crowd of partying guests toward the house. As she led Ashley deeper into the party, a raven perched in the great elm tree, wearing a tiny pointed hat and watching them intently. ~ Back in the manor’s master bedroom, Blake tossed and turned on the couch, gripped by a restless dream. He jolted awake, his chest heaving and heart thundering. He whipped his head toward the bed where Ashley lay, but his heart sank when he saw it was now empty. Blake: “ASHLEY?!” He shot up from the couch, stumbling in the dark and calling out for them, but there was no response. He turned through the archway into the ensuite and saw the bathroom door ajar, the room empty. Blake burst onto the hallway landing, frantically sweeping the corridor. Above him, the chandelier Ashley had brightened earlier still cast its warm glow, guiding his path. Blake: “Ashley?!” He called out again, his voice echoing through the house, but no one answered. Blake snapped around when he heard a creaking door, followed by footsteps on the wooden floorboards. His hope faded when he saw Juniper emerge from her room. She wore her pyjamas, an apricot crop top and shorts, and had tied her long crimson hair up in a messy bun. Juniper: “Is everything okay?” She groggily rubbed her eyes. Blake: “Where’s Ashley?!” Gazing at her suspiciously, he narrowed his deep blue eyes. Juniper: “I don't know. They're not with you?” She scratched her head. Blake: “No?! Why would I be looking for them if they were?!” He threw his arms up in exasperation. The soft rustle of leaf vine curtains snapped their attention down the hall as Madelyn emerged from her bedroom, dressed in a yellow duck onesie; a large hood with an orange beak and cartoony eyes obscured her face. Madelyn: “What’s going on out here?” She yawned. Blake stared at her in that obnoxious outfit with disbelief. Blake: “Did you take Ashley into your room?!” He huffed in an accusatory tone. Madelyn: “No? Why?” She gaped at him. Blake: “Because… I can’t find them!” His anger shifted, exposing the panic beneath. Juniper: “Don’t worry! I can help you find them!” She assured him with a smile, summoning her staff from below her feet. Madelyn: “Yeah, let’s go look for them!” She chimed in with determination. Blake: “I don’t need your help!” He turned his back to the women and folded his arms over his chest. “What is all this commotion?!” Nari’s sharp voice interjected from below. They leaned over the stair railing to see her standing in the grand entryway in a sweeping black silk-and-lace nightgown. Blake fixed his gaze on her. Blake: “Do YOU have Ashley?!!” He yelled down at her. Nari gaped at him. Nari: “Why would I have a Sole-Wielder in my quarters?!” She scoffed and folded her arms across her chest. Nari: “Perhaps they went back to Sunshire!” She waved a dismissive hand. Blake's heart sank at the thought. Before his mind could wander, a rustle of feathers broke the silence from above. They all glanced up to see the raven in the tiny hat swoop down and perch on Nari’s shoulder. The raven leaned its beak toward her ear, and Nari’s eyes widened. Nari: “Is that so?” She stroked her chin. Juniper: “What did Dalnim say?” She smiled at the raven. Nari looked away and didn’t respond. Madelyn: “Come on, Nari, what did she tell you?!” She snapped, lowering her duck hood. Blake watched the raven with intrigue. Blake: “Is it about Ashley?!” He pleaded with her. Dalnim croaked at him and pecked Nari’s cheek. Nari: “OW! Dalnim!” She flinched and rubbed her cheek. Nari: “Alright, alright, fine!” She huffed and planted her hand on her hip. Nari: “The Sole-Wielder is with those common folk idiots next door!” She pouted at Dalnim, who croaked happily. Blake: “WHAT?!” His jaw dropped when he recalled the commotion from next door. Madelyn: “Oh no, not Makayla.” Her expression crumpled, her bright demeanour souring instantly. Blake spun around, looking lost. Blake: “Who the hell is Makayla?!” All three women wore sour expressions, which only unnerved him more. ~ The purple-haired woman whisked Ashley through a dark, smoky living room, where a crowd of people dressed in black and denim moshed to the fast, raspy rhythm, the music reverberating off the walls. Ashley could feel it pulsing beneath their soles and pummeling their chest. Ashley: “WOW! Where’s the music coming from?!” They scanned the room, wide-eyed and bewildered, searching for the source of those loud, heavy sounds, but no one was playing strings or percussion; it was just the crowd moving to a sound that seemed to come from nowhere. Woman: “It’s coming from the speakers, silly!” She laughed, pointing over at the large sound system box in the corner of the room. Ashley: “Oh my stars! How do you trap the music in a box?!” They approached it cautiously, but curiously. Woman: “Hell if I know?! I don’t know how technology works!” She scoffed and shrugged. Ashley: "Tech-no-logy?" They repeated, sounding out the word. The woman chuckled at them. Woman: “So, you like heavy metal?!” She spread her arms out. Ashley: “Oh yes! My favourite metal is gold!” They beamed brightly. The woman blinked mutely at them. Woman: “Haha, very funny! I mean like the music genre!” She clarified with laughter. Ashley’s face lit up with interest. Ashley: “Oh! Do you play music?!” The woman’s smile faltered, and her jaw dropped. Woman: “Of course I do! …Don’t you know who I am?” A faint shadow of hurt flickered over her face. Ashley: “No, sorry! You didn’t tell me your name!” They shook their head apologetically. The woman gaped at them. Woman: “I am Makayla Medeiros!” She declared dramatically, placing her hand to her chest. Ashley: “Oh, okay, nice to meet you, Makayla!” They smiled earnestly at her. Makayla paused, searching them for any sign of a joke. Makayla: “...Really? You were never told about me?!” The pitch of her voice rose. Ashley: “Uhh? Nope? Who are you?” They tilted their head. Makayla gasped. Makayla: “Hmph, how could Madelyn NOT mention me?!” She huffed and folded her arms across her chest. Ashley: “Oh? You know Madelyn?!" They brightened. Makayla pursed her lips. Makayla: “Yes, I know her better than anyone else!” She declared, leaning closer to them and dropping her voice. Makayla: “You should be careful with that one! Don’t trust those girls!” Ashley’s eyes widened, surprisingly. Ashley: “Why not?! They’re really nice… well, except for Nari; she’s kinda scary, haha!” They exclaimed and shifted their eyes, thinking of Nari’s hostility. Makayla: “Don’t be fooled! They’re not who they seem!” She insisted. Ashley paused to ponder what she had just told them. ~ Blake barged through the iron gates and marched onto the street, following the trail of distorted noise to the derelict weatherboard house next door. Beyond the tall elm trees lay the source of the chaos — an overgrown lawn littered with beer cans and fast-food boxes. A pizza sat on the terracotta gabled roof, and silhouettes of people could be seen through the bay windows, laughing and shouting. Blake: “What a dump!” He groused with disgust as he kicked through the minefield of crushed beer cans and grease-stained Burger boxes, making his way to the doorstep. Blake: “Who are these savages?!” He scrutinised the vandalism spray-painted across the door. It read ‘Nuklear Intoxikation’ in crude and barely legible handwriting. A foul, vinegary odour assaulted his nose, and he turned to see a pair of dirty steel-cap boots sitting in the corner. Blake: “Ugh, I don’t want to know!” He kicked the boots into the garden in disgust. Blake turned his attention back to the door with fierce determination. Blake: “HEY! OPEN UP!” He hollered, pounding his fist on the door. The door burst open, unleashing a violent wave of distorted guitars and a cloud of tobacco smoke. A tall, muscular man with a lion’s mane of curly blonde hair stumbled to the door, reeking of cheap deodorant and beer. He wore a frayed denim vest with band patches, and a white shirt that read “Nuklear Intoxikation” in jagged green font. He lowered his Ray-Ban sunglasses and drank him in with his lime-green eyes. Man: “Oh fuck yeah, smokin’ hot pizza’s here!” He slurred his words, taking a swig from his beer can. Blake gave him a bewildered look. Blake: “What?! I don’t have any pizza!” He huffed and folded his arms across his chest indignantly. Blake: “I’m here for my sibling! Let me in!” He stepped forward, trying to pass him, when the man held up his big, calloused hand, blocking his path. His tall, muscular frame filled the doorway. Man: “Woah! Woah! Hold ya horses, pretty lil Jesus boy! What’s with the robe, ey? Did ya think this is a Halloween party or somethin'?” He threw his head back and let out a booming cackle. Blake rolled his eyes at him. Blake: “I don’t have time for this! Get out of my way!” His jaw tightened as he shoved him, trying to get past him. The man’s beer flew out of his hand, hitting the concrete and spilling all over the porch. Man: “OI! My fuckin’ beer! Feisty lil cunt, ain’t ya?!” He swung his gaze back to Blake with an amused laugh. Craig: “Mate, ain’t nobody gonna push Craig fuckin’ Medeiros around!” He cooed, snaking his heavy, tattooed arm around Blake and pinning him with piercing green eyes. Before Blake could react, he heard Ashley’s laughter echoing from inside the house. Blake: “ASHLEY!” He hollered out for them, ramming into Craig with a hard shove and pushing past him. Craig: “OI! Get back here! You can’t just barge into the lion’s den like that!” He stumbled and drunkenly shouted after him, cackling with amusement. ~ Blake marched through the chaotic squalor of a house party, scanning the room for Ashley. He groused at the beer cans scattered across the sticky floorboards, kicking them aside as he made his way through the crowd. He eyed the large speaker boxes with curiosity, wondering how they made sound. What kind of sorcery was this? Before he could process the madness, Craig’s voice boomed from above him. Craig: "I'm the KING of the thrash metal jungle!” He proclaimed, hauling himself onto the makeshift throne of couches with a triumphant grin. Craig: “You’re in my kingdom now, and you bow to me!” He leaned forward, locking his gaze onto Blake. Blake froze and clenched his fists beneath the sleeves of his pristine ivory robe. The heavy music muffled into a low, ringing hum. He glanced around the room at the sea of people dressed like Craig in identical denim vests with patches, band shirts, and jeans, raising their beers to him up on his throne like some bizarre ceremonial offering. Blake: “No! I refuse to be one of your disciples!” He fired back with a faint tremble in his tone. Craig: “Disciples?! Wahahaha! You’re a funny cunt! These are my mates from the pub!” He let out a crackling laugh like a kookaburra. The crowd laughed with amusement. Blake: “I refuse to bow to anyone! Especially not some barbarian like you!” He shook his head violently, clenched his fists, and stood firmly upright. Craig blinked and then let out a booming laugh. The crowd laughed with him once more. Craig: “Ooh, you think you’re so fancy in your lil robe, huh?” He chortled and jumped down from his makeshift throne, standing face-to-face with him, tugging at his robe. Blake stood firm, keeping his glare intact. Craig: “How ‘bout you bow for me in the bedroom?!” He purred and winked at him. Blake recoiled and stepped back, dusting off his sleeves. Blake: “WHAT?! NO! I don’t have time for your insolence! I need to find Ashley!” He didn’t wait for a response and barged past him into the party, leaving Craig opening and closing his mouth like a fish. ~ Through the archway, Ashley stood frozen in the dark kitchen alongside Makayla, wide-eyed and wide-jawed. The room itself was unremarkable, with its yellowing walls, wooden cabinets, and linoleum floors, but to Ashley, the appliances were extraordinary and otherworldly. Ashley: “WOW! This is so amazing!” They gasped and beamed with genuine awe. Makayla arched an eyebrow at their statement. Makayla: “This dump? You don’t have to be nice.” She chuckled, thinking they were joking. Makayla: “Now, let’s get some cake…” She spun on her heel and pulled open the door of the yellowing refrigerator, casting a light into the dark room. A wave of cool air spilled around them, as if she had unleashed the Arctic. Ashley: “O-oh no!” They recoiled in sheer terror, pressing up against the cheap wooden cabinets. Makayla remained unbothered by the chill and turned to them with an incredulous look. Makayla: “What’s wrong? I thought you wanted cake?” She pouted, holding the chocolate mud cake in a plastic container. Ashley: “I do, but what is that cold box?!” They stammered and pointed their trembling finger at the fridge. Makayla closed the fridge door, and her expression shifted from confusion to a smirk. Makayla: “Ohhhh, now I get it! I know what’s going on here!” She teased. Ashley froze and shifted their eyes. Uh-oh, here it comes, they thought. Makayla: “You’re tripping on psychedelics!” She teased. Ashley paused in confusion. Ashley: “...O-oh?! Uhh, sure, I’m doing whatever that is!” They chuckled and waved their hands. A wide grin spread across Makayla’s cheeks. Makayla: “I know what will take the edge off! Come with me!” She took Ashley’s arm and led them out of the kitchen with the cake. ~ Makayla carried her guitar case and the cake as she led Ashley back into the backyard over to the wooden structure along the back fence. Ashley: “Uhh, what is that thing?” Towering over them stood a crude, decaying wooden stage, built from weathered wooden pallets and plywood sheets held together by duct tape and rusted nails poking through the splintered wooden beams. A blue tarpaulin hung across the rickety backdrop, spray-painted with ‘NUKLEAR INTOXIKATION’. Overhead, a sheet of corrugated iron served as a roof, with cobwebs tucked into the corners of the beams supporting it. Various names were carved into the wood and crossed out, except for Craig's and Makayla’s. Makayla: “It’s our band stage!” She proclaimed proudly, placing the cake down and, spreading her arms. Ashley: “Band stage? Nuk-lear Intoxi-kation?” They asked with genuine interest, trying to spell out the band's crude name. Makayla: “Yeah, that was our band… we were the biggest thrash metal band in Selene Valley…” She sighed sadly, with a nostalgic longing. Makayla: “It was me, Craig, and… the traitor who ruined it all.” She scowled bitterly, staring daggers at one of the crossed-out names carved into the wood. Ashley: “Who’s Craig?” They asked. Traitor? They pondered with curiosity. Before they could ask more, a bulky silhouette towered over them from behind and scoffed loudly. Craig: “The fuck do you mean WHO’s Craig?!” He grabbed Ashley’s shoulder with a firm grip. His large hands covered their entire shoulder. Craig: “There you are! You cheeky lil shit! Stop playin’ games with me!” Ashley turned to him, wide-eyed and confused, recoiling at his harsh tone. Craig’s expression shifted to confusion when he saw their face — and not the one he was expecting. Craig: “Wait, who the fuck are YOU?!” He staggered back, scrutinising Ashley. Ashley: “Hello! I’m Ashley! You must be Craig! Nice to meet you!” They greeted him with a smile and a wave. Craig paused as the wires slowly connected in his brain, recalling Blake's earlier mention of that name. Craig: “So… Ashley is real, huh?” Ashley’s eyes widened. Ashley: “Of course I am! How did you know my name?” They tilted their head. Craig: “Ya brother said he was lookin’ for ya, but I know why he’s actually here!” He grinned smugly, flexing his arms. Ashley gave him a perplexed look. Ashley: “OH! Blake’s here, too?!” They gasped excitedly, scanning the crowd for him. Makayla interjected, clearing her throat and placing her hand on Ashley’s shoulder. Makayla: “Don’t you want to see me perform?!” She knitted her eyebrows. Ashley turned to her. Ashley: “Oh! Of course I do! I’d love to see it!” They assured her. Makayla smiled again and climbed the creaking steps onto the stage. The wood groaned and shifted under her weight. Ashley: “Wait, Makayla, be careful! It’s not safe!” They gasped and cupped their hands to their cheeks. Craig: “Pfft, it’s safe! I built it myself!” He scoffed and waved his hand dismissively. Ashley turned to gape up at him. Ashley: “Oh! I can tell! It looks like it’s gonna fall at any minute!” They knitted their eyebrows. Craig’s eye twitched with an offended gasp. Craig: “Fuck off! I’d like to see you do better!” He pouted, folding his arms across his chest. Makayla unlatched her guitar case and pulled out her bass guitar. Its body resembled a deep purple galaxy with its sparkling gloss finish. The knobs were encrusted with amethyst jewels lining the lavender pickguard. Amethyst-encrusted tuning pegs ran along the wooden headstock, and a sleek mahogany fretboard stretched across it. A sticker with a hamburger logo and horns adorned the body as a personal seal. Ashley watched with awe as Makayla flicked the switch on the large amplifier, which let out an electric hum. She took the long black lead plugged into it and inserted the other end into the jack on her bass guitar, sending a static buzz through the party and directing people’s attention to her on the stage. Makayla: “WHEW! I wanted to play a little song for my new friend, ASHLEY!” She announced loudly, a wry smirk on her face, gesturing to Ashley. Ashley blushed and smiled as the crowd stared at them; some of them laughed. Makayla plucked the thick steel strings of her bass guitar in a galloping rhythm, the humbuckers creating a distorted baritone. Ashley felt the bass reverberate through the ground beneath their bare soles and pulse up through their body. Makayla: “Take a slice, it’s very nice! Take one or two or a few…” She sang in a low, breathy, lulling croon, locking her gaze on Ashley as she swayed along with her bass plucking. Makayla: “TAKE THIS CAKE! TAKE THIS CAKE! TAKE THIS CAKE! As I will it, so shall it be!” Her voice rose into a husky rasp, chest-heavy as she intensified the strumming on her bass guitar. Ashley caught Makayla’s intense gaze and felt sound waves circle them, lulling them into a trance. Their hearts pounded in sync with the rhythm of her bass, the sensation travelling down into the pit of their stomach with a pang of hunger. Ashley: “...So hungry…” They droned on with vacant expressions, turning their attention to the cake on the stage. The chocolatey smell of the cake grew more intense and irresistible. Ashley: “Mmm… cake…” They swiped the cake off the stage like a cat and took a delicate bite. Makayla smirked widely at them. Craig: “Cake?! What the fuck, Kayla! That’s not metal! Play a Nuklear song!” He hollered from the side of the stage, pouting. Across the party, Blake turned his attention to the commotion on the stage and rolled his eyes at Craig as he bickered with Makayla. Blake: “What the hell is THAT thing?” He groused, disgusted and disapproving, at the stage. A fleck of ivory in a sea of denim and black clothing caught his eye, and over by the stage, he saw Ashley eating a cake. Blake: “ASHLEY?!” He gasped and barged through the crowd, making his way toward them. Blake: “ASHLEY! THERE YOU ARE!” He rushed over to Ashley with relief and placed his hands on their shoulders. Blake: “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE WITH THESE IDIOTS?!” His face hardened as he stared down at them, but Ashley remained focused on their cake. Ashley: “Eating a cake, haha!” They replied in a hypnotic daze and took another bite. Blake gaped at them with a bewildered look on his face. Blake: “...WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?!” He threw his arms up. Ashley: “...Cake has gotten into me, haha!” They droned and giggled, poking their tummy. Makayla beamed at Ashley. Blake: “We’re leaving NOW!” He grabbed their arm, leading them away from the stage. Makayla’s expression shifted into a scowl as she locked her gaze onto Blake. Makayla: “No, no, no, don’t go! Stay for the show! Let them eat cake! As I will it, so shall it be!” Her voice rose to a husky rasp as she strummed her bass intensely. Blake froze as a reverberating bass rumbled against the soles of his feet and trembled up through his body, vibrating in his chest with violent force, lulling him into a drowsy, confused daze. Makayla smirked and shifted her attention back to Ashley, eating the cake as Blake stared blankly off into another world. As Makayla raised her hand for the final strum, the bass let out an obnoxious, kazoo-like whirl. Makayla: “W-What the hell?!” She groused, staring down at her bass guitar and over to the amplifier for answers. Blake stumbled forward, catching his breath, while Ashley snapped out of their daze and dropped the cake to the ground. Ashley: “...Huh? What’s going on?” They rubbed their head as they spun with confusion. Blake: “What just happened?” He looked just as bewildered. Makayla gasped and frantically strummed the strings again, but this time a huge farting noise ripped from her bass through the speakers. Laughter erupted through the crowd. Craig: “The FUCK are you doing, Makayla? You’re ruinin’ my party!” He snapped at her and marched over to the stage. Makayla: “IT WASN’T ME!” She cried, plucked her string again, and made an oinking noise. Ashley heard familiar cackling and turned to see Madelyn sitting up in the elm tree by the Manor's fence, pointing her glowing staff down at Makayla’s bass guitar. Madelyn: “HAHAHAHA!” She laughed bitterly as her staff pulsed with each note. Ashley tilted their head up at her. Ashley: “...Madelyn?” Makayla glared at Madelyn and seethed. Makayla: “You little shit! YOU did this! I’ll get you for this!” She snapped at her, slamming her feet in a rage against the floorboards, splitting a rotten plank beneath her heel. A sharp groan rattled through the wooden support beams. Ashley gasped and cupped their mouth. Ashley: “W-Wait, Makayla!” They frantically waved their arms around. Makayla: “Don’t try to stop me, Ashley!” She snapped, stomping her feet again. The weakened boards buckled beneath her, and one support beam snapped with a crack that silenced the crowd. Blake’s eyes widened when he saw the stage swaying at unnatural angles. Blake: “Oh fuck!” He gasped and instinctively grabbed Ashley’s arm, dragging them away from the stage and shielding them with his body. Makayla’s eyes widened, and she threw out her arms to steady herself as the stage tilted violently. As the weight shifted, the cross-beams sheared away from the pillars. The corrugated sheet of iron and planks folded inward like a house of cards until only a heap of kindling and twisted iron nails remained, plunging Makayla into the wreckage. The crowd yelled with a mixture of panic and laughter, evacuating the party like a horde of wild animals. Over the fence, Madelyn, Nari, and Juniper watched the chaos, stunned. Madelyn: “Oh crap…” She covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. Juniper: “Oh dear, I hope she’s okay!” She gasped. Nari: “Hmph, she brought it on herself.” She flipped her hair. Nari: “When you perform forbidden Majique, it comes back to you tenfold.” She folded her arms across her chest. Madelyn pursed her lips and said nothing. Nari: “I’m just glad that ugly eyesore is gone now!” She added, waving her fan in front of her face. Ashley peered over Blake’s shoulder and knitted their eyebrows at the sight of destruction, scanning the wreckage for Makayla. They gasped when they saw her among the wreckage with her ass in the air. Ashley: “O-oh no, Makayla! Are you okay?!” They rose and rushed to her side. Makayla: “H-Help me!” She sobbed and pleaded to them. Ashley: “It’s okay! I got you!” They reassured her, took her hand, and helped her to her feet. Makayla fell into Ashley’s arms, pulling them into a tight hug, crying into their chest. Makayla: “Thank you, Ashley! You’re so sweet!” She cooed through sobs. Ashley gave her a reassuring smile and hugged her back. Ashley: “I’m glad you’re ok!” Makayla peered over their shoulder, smirking at Madelyn over the fence. Madelyn glared back at her.

Branches Of Sunshire Chapter 1 Majique Manor The golden sunset bathed two cloaked figures as they stepped out of the bushland. The air droned with cicadas and a sharp, heavy mix of burning wood and dry leaves from the distant mountains. They approached the secluded lane and glanced up at the faded street sign that read ‘Celestial Crescent’ At the end of the lane, the mansion stood against the orange dusk and shadowy gum trees. It was a relic of Victorian grandeur with deep crimson walls, ornate gables, and a wraparound veranda. A round stained-glass window sat at the centre of the large gable roof, and two turrets stood on either side, each crowned with a pointed green roof. A black iron fence wrapped around the property, its stone pillars weathered by years of coastal humidity. Beyond the gates, a flagstone garden path led to the front stairs, lined with vintage lampposts. A huge jacaranda tree spilled across the garden with violet blooms, striking brightly against the ruby woodwork and bushland behind it. The grand estate stood silent against the bushland, with nothing but the wind moving through the eucalyptus, keeping its secrets behind closed doors. Man: “Are you sure this is the right place, Branch?” The taller figure asked in a deep voice, turning to the shorter, plump figure beside him. The short figure reached their hand to the stone mailbox, gliding their delicate fingertips across the brass number ‘33’. They had an olive-tan complexion, and there was a sun-like marking on their thumb. It was a black circle with a dot at the centre, surrounded by eight triangular points. Branch: “Yep!” They chirped softly and lowered their hood, revealing their round face with big cerulean doe eyes. They resembled a cat, with a curved mouth and wing-tipped eyes. Their long, feathered, chestnut hair had a golden ombre tinge, as if it had been dipped in the sun. Branch: “I can feel that his energy resided here.” They pet their fluffy tabby cat nestled in their cloak. The taller figure lowered his hood, revealing the same olive-tan complexion and long ombre hair, with a slimmer, masculine face. He narrowed his deeper blue eyes with scepticism and confusion as he observed the property. Man: “Here? Are you sure?” The man glanced down at the worn piece of paper that read in cursive handwriting: ‘Follow the river and go to the highest peak in the valley of the moon.’ Branch peered over his shoulder and nodded. Branch: “Yes, Lake! Selene Valley IS the valley of the moon, and this IS the highest peak!” They smiled up at the golden sun, its reflection on the glass beaming like a beacon of light. Branch gingerly opened the gate with a rusty iron creak as they entered the premises. Lake: “Branch! Wait!” He protested and followed after them up the stone pavement. Large boulders sat along the cliffside with gardens nestled between the levels. The garden was in full bloom with its vibrant reds, pinks, and oranges. They felt so small underneath the towering pine trees surrounding them. Their footsteps creaked on the stairs as they ascended to the veranda. Branch smiled at the lilac Wisteria draping across the veranda as it swayed in the warm breeze, the gentle tinkling of wind chimes hanging off the banister making them feel at peace. Lake: “You can’t just go off a ‘feeling.’ You need solid proof!” He countered, tugging at the chain around his neck and pulling out a rusty key. They both eyed the key with anticipation. Lake: “There’s only one way to know for sure…” They both turned to the arched wooden door with intricate stained-glass roses, anticipating what they would find behind it. Lake approached the brass doorknob and slid the key into the keyhole. He slowly twisted it until they heard a metallic click. They both lit up and exchanged a glance as the door swung ajar. Branch: “See! I told you!” The door swung open with a creak, unveiling a grand entryway wrapped in deep red wallpaper accented by glittering gold stars and celestial motifs. Two distinct staircases caught their attention: the right was a grand focal point with dark timber balusters leading up to the upper level, while the left was far more subtle, dipping quietly into a shadowed room below. Overhead, a grand candle chandelier hung from the second-story level. The sunlight filtered through decorative stained-glass windows, illuminating the space. Goosebumps ran through Branch as their bare feet met the chill of black tiles detailed with gold geometric designs. Branch: “Oh my stars! It’s amazing!” They gasped as they stood at the crossroads of wooden archways and stairs, each veering off in a different direction, and they took in the scent of old dust and aged wood. Branch: “I feel like I’m in a maze!” They chuckled, feeling overwhelmed, yet excited for all the places to explore. Lake: “Why is it so large?” He pondered, staring down at the long hallway through the archway under the stairs. More archways leading into rooms lay ahead. Branch stared down at the long, red carpet running down the hallway, feeling its soft texture under their bare feet. Branch: “Maybe it’s a palace?!” They offered, running their fingertips across the textured wooden panels in the hallway, intrigued. Candle sconces lined the walls, with old, dusty oil paintings. Lake: “It’s not like any palace we’ve seen before...” His voice trailed off with a bitter tinge. Their jaws dropped as they entered a grand dining room at the end of the hallway; their footsteps echoed across the herringbone floorboards. Branch: “WOW, look at how big that table is!” They exclaimed, stretching their arms out in emphasis over the long, mahogany dining table that ran across the length of the room. Six wooden chairs with crimson upholstery sat around the table, and a large iron chandelier hung over the table at the centre of the room. A stone fireplace stood at the end of the table, against the back wall as a centrepiece. Branch admired the stunning view through the arch windows and ruby drapes. The dining room looked out onto a garden with blooming wisteria and roses, with flagstone tiles throughout the greenery. A pool, bordered by large rocks, reflected the dusky sky on its surface. To the right of the pool stood a grand barrel greenhouse filled to the brim with lush greenery and a small wooden chicken coop. Branch: “Oooh, pretty…” They admired the breathtaking view and inhaled the herbal aromas in the air, blended with the scent of old wood. Lake: “...So, this is what he left behind for Sunshire?” He stood beside them, gazing out the window, breathing it all in. Branch’s smile dipped into a frown, and they embraced themself. Branch: “Why can’t we go back, Lake?” They knitted their brows, looking up to him for answers. Lake: “It’s not safe for us anymore…” He said somberly, gazing pensively at the deep orange hues of the sky. Branch: “When will Mother and Father be here?” They pleaded. Lake snapped out of his reverie and paused for a moment. Lake: “I don’t know…” His voice trailed off, and he turned away from Branch. Lake’s face shifted to a bemused look when something unexpected caught his eye. Lake: “Huh, that’s odd?” He quirked an eyebrow at the googly eyes stuck onto the dining chairs. Branch chuckled. Branch: “Oh, my stars! It looks like it has eyes!” They laughed. Lake: “What is the purpose of this?” Branch: “To make you smile and laugh!” Lake: “I doubt that would be the purpose.” He shook his head. Branch: “I didn’t know he had a sense of humour!” They smiled. Lake: “It seems there was a lot we didn’t know about him…” He pensively observed their surroundings. Suddenly, the fluffy, striped cat leapt from Branch’s robe onto the herringbone floors. His bushy tail perked up as he excitedly trotted out of the room. Branch: “STELLA!” They gasped and followed after their cat into the kitchen through the archway across the hall. Branch paused to drink in the marvellous kitchen. They brightened at the deep green hues and checkered marble floors. Pastel green wallpaper with tree patterns covered the walls, and mandala tiles lined the back wall behind the iron stovetop. A round marble table sat at the centre of the room with wooden barstools and a stone fireplace in the corner of the room. Dried herbs and flowers hung across the arched windows that looked out onto the backyard. Stella rubbed against the door in the corner of the room, pawing at it and meowing. Branch: “Ooh, what’s in there?” They twisted the knob, opening the door to icy cold air smacking them in the face. The tiny room was dark, with sheets of ice covering the walls. A swirling moon symbol was carved into the ice, as if it were bound to the room. Branch: “OH NO, it’s winter!” They both recoiled from the icy cold air smacking them in the face. With a beam of light, Branch summoned a wooden staff, a golden sun resembling a sunflower perched on top. It had green leaves at the base and at the tip, and red velvet at the centre of the wooden handle, casting a warm, radiant light around them. Lake: “PUT THAT AWAY!” He said firmly, waving his hand at them. Branch: “Why, Lake?” Branch’s eyes widened in a gasp when they saw the ice starting to melt, revealing shelves of food, and they waved their staff into the shadows, making it disappear. Branch: “OH! There’s food in here?!” They brightened at the sight of the shelves stocked with fresh broccoli, onions, capsicums, pumpkins, eggs, milk, and butter. Lake’s eyes widened, and his head spun with confusion. Lake: “That doesn’t make any sense… This house has been abandoned for over twenty cycles…” He pondered, staring at the strange moon symbol carved into the ice. Branch: “Uhh… I guess the ice kept it fresh?” They scratched their head. Lake: “How did the ice get there?! Why is it in this room?!” He gaped, looking around. Branch: “I dunno, but I’m hungry! I’m gonna bake a cake!” They chirped. Lake’s face turned pale as something dawned on him, and before he could speak, an unfamiliar voice answered from behind them. “Ooh, what cake are you baking?” A dopey woman replied. Branch: “I was thinking cheesecake!” They beamed up at the tall and slim woman towering over them both. She had long, flowing crimson hair, rose-porcelain skin, and droopy blue eyes with long lashes beneath them. She wore an orange headband, an ivory-white blouse with bell sleeves, and a long, flowing orange skirt with mushroom prints. Branch: “Wow, your hair is so red!” They gasped, enamoured by her, having never seen anyone with red hair and pale skin before, let alone anyone with such enormous feet. Lake: “WHO the hell are you and what the hell are you doing here?!” He snapped and stood protectively in front of Branch, pulling them away from her. But the woman just smiled and laughed. Woman: “Wow, cool, I’ve never met ghosts before! I’m Juniper!” She chuckled and waved at them with her long red fingernails. Branch tilted their head. Branch: “...Ghosts? We’re not ghosts?!” They gasped, a bewildered look on their faces. Juniper: “Oh, then why are you dressed like that?” She curiously tugged at their ivory robes. Branch: “Oh, we’re from Sun—” Lake covered their mouth with his hand. Lake: “That's none of your concern! What I’d like to know is why YOU are in our father’s home!” He waved his hand as if he were warding off flies and pointed at her. Juniper stared at him for a moment before a wide smile spread across her face. Juniper: “...Wait, this is your father’s home, too?!” Her jaw hung agape at them. Lake blinked mutely. Lake: “...What do you mean by TOO?!” He gaped at her. Juniper: “Well, this is also my father’s home!” She nodded doggedly. Branch and Lake turned to each other. Branch: “...Wait, he’s your father, too?!” They tilted their head and locked their gaze on her. She looked nothing like our father or us, they pondered. Juniper: “Whoa, you’re my siblings?!” Lake looked at her, then at Branch. Lake: “What the hell is going on here?” “I would like to know the same thing.” A deep woman’s voice interjected. They turned to see a woman resembling a dark shadow, her black clothing and makeup, leaning against the archway. She looked like a ghost, her pale skin framed by heavy black eyeliner spread across her face. She wore her raven hair in a shoulder-length A-line style with white ombre tips that resembled ice. Her almond-shaped violet eyes were the only colour she wore. Branch held their cat tightly, standing close to Lake as he stood protectively in front of them. Branch: “...I-Is she a ghost?!” They stammered. The woman dressed in black turned to Branch, eyeing them up. Juniper: “Haha, no, Nari isn’t a ghost!” She laughed. Nari twisted her mouth and shuddered at the room’s warmth. Nari: “Eww, why is it warm in here?” She groused and pulled out her black fan to fan her face. Juniper paused, held up her hand, noticed the warmth, and smiled. Branch: “OH! That’s because I—” Lake interjected, cutting them off. Lake: “Just turned off the fireplace!” He insisted, swinging his gaze over to the fireplace in the corner of the room. Branch looked up at their brother, looking confused. Nari gave them a suspicious look. Nari: “What did I tell you about bringing vagrants into our home, Juniper?!” She hissed with exasperation. Lake: “Vagrants? YOUR home?! This is OUR home! Our father owns it!” He snapped, his fury soaring. Branch recoiled at Lake’s fury. Branch: “Whoa, whoa, be careful of your negative vibrations, Lake!” They said gently, placing their hand on his shoulder. Lake pouted. Juniper: “They're not vagrants, Nari! They're my ghost siblings!” She waved her finger at her. Lake gaped at her like she had three heads. Nari narrowed her eyes at Branch and Lake, giving them scrutinising looks. Nari: “You don’t look like Osennikovas to me.” She scoffed dismissively. Lake: “What is an Osennikova?” He looked to both of them for answers. Juniper: “That’s me! I’m Juniper Osennikova!” She smiled and waved at them. Branch smiled and waved back. Lake: “I never heard of anyone with the name Osennikova.” He folded his arms across his chest. Nari: “Seriously?! Do you live under a rock or something?!” She gaped at them. Branch: “No? We lived under the sun!” Lake froze and gave them a look. Nari arched an eyebrow. Nari: “Yes, we all unfortunately live under the sun.” She said flippantly. Nari: “They’re clearly lying, Juniper.” Lake glared at her. Lake: “We’re not lying! You’re lying!” He protested, pointing at them accusingly. Juniper’s head spun with confusion, not knowing what to think or believe. Juniper: “Hmm… let’s see about that.” She stomped the ground with her bare feet, and suddenly, like the roots of a tree, a wooden staff emerged from the earth and into her hands. The staff had amber jewels along a curved arch with orange mushrooms nestled along it. Ivory silk ribbon was woven along the top and bottom of the staff as if it had been broken. Branch: “WOW! I’ve never seen Sortilege Majique like that before!” They gasped with big doe eyes, mesmerised by her staff and the way she summoned it from below her. Lake’s mouth hung agape. Juniper: “Oh, are you a wielder, too?” She smiled at them. Lake: “NO!” He interjected. Nari swung her gaze to them, looking dumbfounded and curious. Nari: “...You know of Majique, but you never saw a Harvestial-wielder?” Branch’s eyes widened with intrigue. A Harvestial-wielder? They pondered. Juniper rubbed her feet up against Branch and Lake’s feet and inhaled deeply as she gripped her staff. The tiny mushrooms swayed as if they were picking up signals from them. Branch shivered and giggled. Lake: “HEY! What are you doing?!” He yanked away from her, glaring. Juniper exhaled deeply. Juniper: “They’re not lying about that, Nari. This is also their father’s home. They're telling the truth!” She smiled. Branch’s eyes widened at her. How did she know that from our feet? They wondered. Lake: “THANK YOU!” He threw his arms up. Juniper: “Which means they are my siblings!” She smiled dumbly. Branch tilted their head, and Lake gaped at her. Nari: “Your feet are broken like your staff, Juniper!” She rolled her eyes. Juniper glanced down at her feet. Juniper: “My feet aren’t broken.” She pouted. Lake: “Clearly, we’re talking about different fathers! Her father must have stolen it from our father while he was away!” He huffed and glared at Juniper. Juniper scratched her head, and Nari pondered. Nari: “That’s impossible. The man who lived here before the Osennikovas disappeared in the 1960s!” Lake and Branch exchanged a look. Disappeared? They wondered. “OH! Are you talking about that businessman guy?!” A sing-song voice interjected as she skipped into the room with a basket of freshly picked flowers. They turned to see a chubby woman with a blonde wolf-cut shag and violet eyes. She wore a lace moss-green dress and a crown of daisies. Vibrant green and purple eyeshadow adorned her face. Juniper: “Hey, Madelyn!” She greeted her with a smile and a wave. Lake: “Great, there’s another one of you here?!” He huffed and rolled his eyes. Branch’s eyes lit up at her in her colourful attire, never having seen so much vibrant colour on one person before. Branch: “...What’s a businessman?” They tilted their head with curiosity. The woman fixed her gaze on Branch, amused by their question, enamoured by their delicate features, and curious about their manner of dress. Madelyn: “Hahaha! You’re funny!” She laughed and smiled at them. Branch tilted their head and smiled. Nari: “Wow, you really did live under a rock.” She clicked her tongue and shook her head. Madelyn: “The guy who lived here before Juniper’s family was some famous businessman who went missing! I saw his stuff in the attic!” She explained, pointing up. Branch and Lake looked at each other. Branch: “Ooh, can we see it?!” They clasped their hands, eager and curious. Madelyn nodded. Madelyn: “Sure you can! Follow meeeee!” She took Branch's hand and led them down the hallway. Branch giggled as they rushed through the hallway. They felt as if they were gliding through an air tunnel. Lake: “HEY! GET BACK HERE!” He snapped, chasing after them down the hallway. ~ Madelyn led them back down the hallway towards the stairwell. They followed her up the grand wooden staircase and up to the second floor. Branch leaned over the rails, getting a full view of the floor tiles and round carpet from above. Crimson-panelled walls surrounded them, with sconces along them. A passage around the stairwell led to a balcony behind the stained-glass door, with windows that lit the stairwell. Two rooms sat on either side of the balcony passage. Madelyn tapped Branch on the shoulder. Madelyn: “Up here!” She exclaimed, gripping the wooden railing of the spiral staircase behind them. A large, ornate rug lay at the centre of the passageway, with oak doors on either side. Madelyn held out her hand to Branch. Madelyn: “You go first!” She grinned at Branch. Branch: “Oh, okay!” They stepped onto the wooden step. Madelyn smirked up at the view of their feet from below the stairs, then pulled out a feather and tickled Branch’s foot between the steps. Branch gasped and clung to the railing, pealing with giggles. Branch: “H-Hey! HAhahahahahahahHahaah!” Suddenly, the feather was yanked from Madelyn’s hand as Lake caught up with them. Lake: “What are you doing?!” He hissed. Madelyn: “Aww, I was just having fun!” She poked her tongue out. Branch reddened and giggled. Lake: “I will go after Branch!” He pushed ahead, following after Branch. Madelyn: “Aww, you're no fun.” She laughed and pouted, stamping her foot. ~ They reached the top of the spiral staircase leading to the attic. Branch looked around the room and at the view from above with awe. Dusty clutter filled the dark space. At the centre was a triangular room inside the gable roof, perched at the top of the house. The sunlight cast a warm glow through the round stained-glass windows. A stack of dusty old boxes sat in the nooks and crannies. Madelyn scurried over, pulled out a dusty portrait of a man with cerulean-blue eyes and dark, slicked-back hair, dressed in a grey suit and posed against a grey backdrop. Lake and Branch fell silent as they gazed upon his portrait. Lake: “...That’s not him!” He twisted his mouth. Branch reached into their hood and pulled out an old family photo. It depicted them and Lake as children with their parents, sitting together under a large mystical tree in the mountains, dressed in ivory clothing with sun markings. Their mother had long platinum hair, olive-tan skin, and amber eyes with catlike features and the eight-pointed sun marking on her chest. Their father wore his dark hair in a ponytail and a rugged beard; his cerulean-blue eyes matched the sky and were unmistakable. Branch: “...Yes, it is. Look at his eyes.” They stroked their fingertips across his face behind the dusty glass and held the photos side by side in the sunlight through the window. Madelyn peered over their shoulder, intrigued by what she saw. Their resemblance was unmistakable, but something about the family photo and setting piqued her curiosity, as it was unlike anything she had seen before. Lake: “Put that away!” He grabbed the portrait off Branch, tucking it into his cloak. Madelyn gazed at them with curiosity and intrigue. Who are they?! And where are they from?! Nari peered up from the stairs. Nari: “So, your father was Nikolai Sabatini?!” Lake and Branch both turned to her like startled deer in headlights. Branch: “Huh? No, his name is River, and he only has one name!” They tilted their head. Nari: “Interesting…” She stroked her chin. Lake: “...Why do you know that name? What do you know?” His eyes followed her as she emerged into the room like a shadow. Nari: “I’m more curious about how you don’t know. The disappearance of Nikolai Sabatini is a very well-known case in Osolaris…” She pressed them, picking up Nikolai’s photograph and studying it. Nari: “He went missing twenty-five years ago now… making you the right age to be his children, and no doubt you bear his resemblance.” She added, scrutinising the photo of Nikolai and his striking resemblance to them. Nari: “Yet somehow you never heard of this case, despite being his children? Strange. VERY strange indeed!” She stroked her chin dramatically. Lake and Branch exchanged a look. Nari: “So then, where is Nikolai now, and why did you come here now after all this time?” She pressed them with curiosity. Madelyn: “Yeah! Where did you come from, and what’s with the robes, haha?” She tugged on Branch’s robe. Nari turned to her. Good question, she thought. Branch: “Oh! He’s on his way here with our mother! We came from S—” Lake went pale as a sheet and covered Branch’s mouth with his hand. Lake: “Would you excuse us? We need to talk in private!” He interjected with urgency. Nari stared at them both for a moment. Nari: “Alright, fine.” She exhaled sharply. Nari: “Come on, Madelyn, let us leave.” She sauntered back down the spiral stairs, her heels clanking on the iron steps. Madelyn: “Haha, lettuce leaf!” She snorted as she left with her. Branch giggled. Branch: “She’s funny!” Lake rolled his eyes. Lake: “Don’t trust them!” He marched to the stairs, closed the latch door, and pushed a box over it. Lake: “You can’t tell them who we are or where we’re from!” He warned them firmly. Branch: “Huh? Why not?” They tilted their head. Lake narrowed his eyes at them and drew a breath. Lake: “Ziru ir noi jen! Barr lok ra kor par ore nul!” (You know why! We can’t trust outsiders!) He replied in an ancient-sounding language and glanced down at the latch below their feet. ~ The three women stood below the spiral stairs, listening in. Nari: “What are they up to?” She narrowed her eyes through the crack of light in the floor above as she heard them switch languages. Juniper: “Oh, they’re up in the attic!” She smiled dumbly and pointed up at the ceiling. Nari rolled her eyes. Nari: “Yes, and that is suspicious. They’re up to something…” She stroked her chin. Juniper: “I can’t make out what they’re saying; they’re talking in another language!” She exclaimed. Madelyn: “I never heard people talk like that before!” She leaned up against the panelled wall, thinking of that strange family photo. Nari: "How curious…” She leaned in closer to the latch door to listen in, fanning herself with her black fan. ~ Lake paced around the attic as the sunlight grew dim and night approached. Lake: “Tuk zu quo, zu eneg em ta hul!” (If they knew, they’d drain our energy source!) Branch knit their eyebrows and recoiled. Branch: “Y… Ravi cau zur…” (Yes… Ravi had warned us…) Lake held up the portrait of Nikolai in his suit. Lake: “Ziriuo nezi ore nul geo! Zuri neam w mu ey zu a em!” (We need to blend into the outside world. Our names will bring too much attention to us and reveal too much!) He declared, picking up a dusty old magazine and leafing through it. The magazine cover read ‘Osolaris Times’ and featured a splash page of big names and faces. Lake: “...Blake.” He pondered, staring at the name on the page. Branch: “Ooh! It’s like your name with a B!” They exclaimed. Lake: “That name is better than my name. I always hated my name.” He grumbled. Lake: “So, my name will be Blake now!” He declared and smiled a bit. Branch: “Alright, Blake!” Branch stared down at the list of names on the magazine cover. They didn’t feel like a ‘Kylie’ or a ‘Chad’. They pondered for a moment, scanning the room for names, and then they saw it. A small cat collar with a bell sat in the dusty corner, with a silver name tag engraved with the name ‘Ashley’. Branch: “Ooh! I want this name! I wanna be Ashley!” They declared, holding up the cat collar. Blake gaped at them. Blake: “You want to be named after a cat?!” Branch eagerly nodded. Branch: “YES!” They beamed, cuddling Stella in their robe. Blake: “Alright, Ashley, it is.” He smiled and nodded at them. Ashley: “Alright, Blake!” They winked at him. Blake: “Or zur lieu ez domcas!” (Now, we have to get them out of our house!) He pointed down toward the stairs. Ashley sighed and bowed their head. Ashley: “B dwas wi tuk i?” (But where will they go?) They protested. Blake: “Th no zui xa! I sol ten seiv u!” (That's not our problem. I only care about protecting you!) He said firmly, placing his hand on their shoulder. Ashley smiled a bit, but couldn’t help but feel bad for them. ~ When they heard the attic latch click open, the three women scurried away like cats. Blake came down from the attic, and Ashley followed behind him. Juniper: “Ooh, what are you up to, Blake and Ashley?!” She smiled at them. Ashley gasped, and Blake frowned. Ashley: “Wait… How did you know my name was Ashley?” They gaped at her. Blake drew a breath. Blake: “Because they were eavesdropping.” He folded his arms and glared at them. Juniper: “I can hear you with my feet…” She bent forward and glanced down at her feet. Blake arched an eyebrow at her. What a strange woman, he thought. Ashley: “OH! Can your feet understand Ancient Osolarian?” They gasped. Blake gaped at them both. Juniper: “No.” She shook her head in confirmation. Blake: “Good.” He deadpanned with relief. Nari: “How do you know the ancient language of this land?!” She gaped at them both. Blake: “We read a lot of books.” He interjected. Nari: “What are you hiding from us?” She slowly folded her arms across her chest, eyeing them with suspicion. Ashley froze and swallowed hard. Blake: “Mind your own business! We don’t have to tell you anything!” He countered, standing in front of Ashley. Nari: “You do when you’re in our house.” She stood between Madelyn and Juniper. Blake: “It’s OUR house!” He fired back, gesturing to himself and Ashley. Nari swung her gaze to Ashley. Nari: “We have our ways of making you talk…” She smirked and stroked her chin, and the women snickered together. Ashley’s eyes widened. Blake: “...What is that supposed to mean?!” He huffed. Nari: “Bind them!” She commanded, clicking her fingers. Madelyn raised her hands above her head, swaying them as she summoned a wooden staff. It had a ‘U’-shaped tip with a lilac orb at the centre of it, with purple wisteria draping down it. Ivy vines wrapped around the handle, with a purple amethyst at the base. She removed the crown of daisies from her head and waved her staff over them, transforming them into a daisy chain rope. Ashley’s eyes widened, mesmerized by her Majique energy; it felt different from Juniper’s and their own. Ashley: “OH! You’re a Sortilege, too?!” Madelyn chuckled and swung her daisy-chain rope above her head, throwing it around Ashley and pulling them into her arms. Ashley: “O-Oh, my stars!” They gasped breathlessly as they were pulled into her arms. Madelyn: “Yep, that’s right, I’m a Vernal-Wielder!” She whispered into their ear. Branch giggled as her whisper tickled their ear. Blake: “HEY!” He rasped and tried to charge at them, but roots shot up from the wooden floorboards and wrapped around his ankles. He turned to see Juniper, tapping the base of her staff on the floor. Juniper: “Don’t worry! I got you!” She smiled at him. Blake: “WHAT DID YOU DO?!” He rasped as he struggled to move. Juniper: “You seemed tense, so I grounded you to the earth.” She smiled and clasped her hands together, taking a deep breath. Blake: “Of course I’m tense! I’m surrounded by YOU!” He groaned and struggled in his rooted bonds, glaring at the women. Madelyn chuckled with amusement. Madelyn: “Haha! Relax!” She skipped over to him and threw another daisy chain around him. Madelyn: “Boop!” She poked his nose and laughed. Blake glared at the three women. Nari stepped forward, locking her gaze on Ashley and Blake, bound by daisy chains. Nari: “Bring them into the crypt! OH HO HO HO HO HO!” She placed her hand to her mouth and chortled dramatically like a cartoon villainess. Madelyn laughed along, and then Juniper chimed in. Ashley: “T-The crypt?! That doesn’t sound good!” Ashley swallowed hard and knitted their eyebrows, and Blake’s fury soared. ~ The three women dragged Ashley and Blake back down the stairs into the grand entrance stairwell, now dark except for a glimmer of moonlight through the window. Blake: “LET US GO!” He protested as they ushered them to the other staircase, tucked away and hidden like some forbidden secret. The temperature dropped as they descended deeper into the basement, their footsteps creaking on the wooden floorboards. Ashley: “Shiver me whiskers! It’s like winter down here!” They shuddered at the cold air, seeing their breath in front of them. Madelyn chuckled at their cat pun. Blake groaned and shivered. They entered the dark basement apartment, which resembled a dungeon with rustic brick walls and stone floors. Ashley marvelled curiously at the moon crystals running along the tops of the stone walls, casting a purple neon glow in the dark room. An archway led into a kitchenette, and a small reading nook sat by the wine cellar, with a black divan chair and a bookshelf. The air was crisp with a faint scent of incense, and the low humming drone of dark wave music seeped from behind the black wooden door at the bottom of the stairs. Blake: “What are you going to do to us?!” He glared at the three women. Nari: “We’re going to torture you, of course!” She chortled, approaching the door. Ashley: “Oh no!” They whimpered and clung to their cat. Blake: “WHAT? You wouldn’t dare!” He rasped, struggling in his bonds. Nari kicked the door open with a thud, leading them into a dark room with mirrors on the stone walls. Ashley eyed the furniture with curiosity and apprehension. It was not like anything they had seen before. Swinging chains hung from the ceiling, and a plank of wood was plastered on the wall like a trophy, with holes in it. A large black leather chair with straps sat beside wooden stocks at its base. A black glass cabinet sat in the corner of the room, filled with books and what looked like potions. Blake: “What the hell is this?!” His jaw hung agape, and his head spun with confusion. Ashley swallowed the lump forming in their throat. Madelyn: “Aww! Don’t be scared!” She petted Ashley’s head. Ashley smiled a bit, feeling at ease. Nari: “NO! Be afraid! Be VERY afraid!” She taunted, grabbed Ashley by the daisy chain rope, and dragged them over to the large black chair. She strapped Ashley into the chair with cuffs around their wrists and ankles. Ashley gasped as their heart thundered in their chest. Blake: “HEY! What are you doing to them?! BRANCH!” He rasped, glaring at her as he struggled in his daisy chains. Nari: “...Branch?” She quirked an eyebrow and looked around for a branch. Blake froze when he realised what he slipped out. Ashley shifted their eyes, looking around the room. Ashley: “...O-oh, that’s not a branch, that’s a chain…hahaha.” They laughed awkwardly at the chain hanging off the ceiling. Nari blinked mutely. Nari: “You two are VERY strange.” She clicked her tongue and shook her head. Lake: “We’re the strange ones?!” He laughed bitterly, looking around the room. Madelyn: “We’re ALL strange!” She twirled around on her heel as her skirt breezed around her. Nari: “Take him away, Juniper! Do whatever you have to with him!” She waved her hand dismissively at Blake, pointed to the room next to them, and said nothing. Juniper smiled and nodded, skipping over to Blake. Juniper: “Okeydokey! Come along with me now!” She sang as she dragged him by the daisy chain. Nari twisted her mouth. Nari: “You’re supposed to be menacing, Juniper!” She huffed, stamping her foot. Juniper: “Oh, right! Ooohhohoooooo! Come along nooooowww!” She hollered in a ghost impression, dragging Blake out of the room. Nari sighed and rubbed her forehead. She turned to see Madelyn petting Ashley’s head like a cat and holding their tabby in her arms. Nari: “What are YOU doing!?” She gaped at her. Madelyn: “Petting the kitties!” She beamed. Ashley: “Meow!” They chirped and relaxed to her touch like a cat would. Nari sighed again. Nari: “Go watch Juniper! I don’t trust her alone with him!” She pointed to the door. Madelyn: “Why not? Juniper can be trusted!” She frowned and placed Ashley’s cat on the couch. Nari: “It’s not Juniper that I don’t trust!” She said sincerely, dropping her dramatic demeanour for a moment. Madelyn: “Alright, alright, fine!” She pouted and sauntered out of the room. Ashley tilted their head. Nari sighed and shook her head, turning back to Ashley. Nari: “Now, where were we?” She smirked at Ashley. Ashley: “Oh, uhh, you were going to let me go bake a cake?!” They stammered with a hopeful smile. Nari: “Hahaha, nice try.” She chuckled, turning toward the gothic mirror mounted on the stone wall; she summoned a deep purple staff that materialised beneath the silvery moonlight. At its crest sat a glowing crescent moon framing a raven’s silhouette, with amethyst jewels embedded in the steel and cascading down its length. As a sudden frost swept through the room, the temperature plummeted, leaving Ashley shivering against their iron restraints. Nari: “Now, let’s see if you can survive my most powerful Hivernal brew!” She chortled, picked up a glass of water, and poured it into a glass potion bottle with a raven feather tied to it. Hivernal?! Survive?! Ashley’s heart hammered in their chest. Ashley: “W-Wait, what do you mean by survive?!” They stammered, a mix of fear and confusion. Nari hummed as she swirled the water, waving her staff over it until it turned a deep shade of purple, matching her eyes. Nari: “Oh ho ho ho! You will see!” She chortled wickedly, placing her fingertip under Ashley’s chin as she poured the potion directly past their lips. Ashley shrieked as the cold potion slid down their throat and they felt their entire body convulsing, and a glittering purple glow enveloped them. Ashley: “W-What did you give me?! What is happening to me?!” They cried and stammered as a tingling sensation swarmed around their feet, shooting up to their legs and tummy. It felt like purple glitter particles were tickling them all over. Ashley: “Hahah haHAHA HAH AHEHEH EHEH EHEEEE! W-WHAHAHAT’S GOING ON?! WH-WHAT IS THIHIHIHIHIHIHISI?!!” They screamed and squirmed as the tingling sensation shot up through their neck and took over their entire body. Nari: “Oh my, we haven’t even begun. I’m not even touching you.” Nari pulled out her black feathered fan with a graceful flick and fluttered it against her reddened face. Nari: “This is my magnum opus — Ticklemore!” She announced, holding her potion up under the moonlight and admiring her work with pride. Ashley: “HAHAHAHAHAHAH O-OH MY STARS! HAHAH EHE HEEHEHEHEHEH!” They gasped with helpless laughter. Nari: “You are going to tell me everything we need to know!” She grinned, tracing her feathered fan across Ashley’s chest. Ashley: “HAHAH AHHE EHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEEEE heHEHhehheh OH-OH MY STARS! HEHHEH EHE EH AHA HAEHEHEHEHHE!” They thrashed in their bonds, rasping with laughter. Nari leaned in, grabbing Ashley’s writhing wrist, intending to secure their hands, when something caught her eye under the pale moonlight. Nari: “...What’s this now?!” She brushed her fingertips over their distinct sun marking on their thumb, barely able to make it out in the dark. Ashley: “O-oh, uh, nothing!” They stammered and shivered with laughter, curling their toes. Nari: “I’ll just have to torture you until you tell me!” She taunted, tickling them all over with her feathered fan. Ashley threw their head back with a mighty gasp. Ashley: “HAHAH AHA HAH AHAAHAH HAHAHA HOHOHOHOOHOHHEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEE HAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAAH HAHAHAHAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH HAH AHAHA HAHAHAH! OH-OH-HOHHHOHOHOHOHOHOGOD! OH OHOHOHEHEH AHAHAHAHAHAHA EHEHEEHEEEEEEE!” They scrunched their toes and flopped in their bonds, gasping for air. ~ Meanwhile, Blake was tied to a chair in an empty stone room. Madelyn and Juniper sat on either side of him on wooden stools. Blake: “ASHLEEEEEY!” He hollered out, thrashing in his daisy chains as he heard Ashley’s cries through the walls. Juniper: “Oh, don’t worry, you’ll get your turn, too!” She teased, trailing her fingers across his feet. Blake: “HAHAAHAHAahahaha, STOP THAT!” He snapped and glared at her, squirming helplessly in his daisy chain restraints. Madelyn: “Okay, so you're clearly not a Common-folk! But you're also not Vernals or Harvestials like me and Juniper either…” She pondered, recalling how bewildered Blake and Ashley looked when they saw their Majique earlier Madelyn: “And you can't be Hivernal-Wielders. You're nothing like Nari, and you complained about the cold!” She laughed. Madelyn: “So, what are you then?!” She withdrew a big fuchsia-feathered sword and pointed it at him. Juniper: “Oh, they’re Sole-wielders!” She chimed in with a cheerful smile and waved her hand. Blake and Madelyn both turned to gape at her. Madelyn: “...Sole-Wielders?!” Her eyes widened. Blake’s heart sank, and he slumped in his seat. Blake: “Great. Bra — Ashley told you.” He huffed. Juniper shook her head. Juniper: “Nope! Your soul told me when I read you with my feet in the kitchen!” She exclaimed, holding up her foot. Blake drew a long breath. Blake: “...Your weird friend was right; your feet are broken!” He said quickly. Madelyn: “WOW! Sole-Wielders are real?!” She gasped, poking at him and tugging at his robe. Blake: "Stop that! I am NOT a Sole-Wielder!" His voice rose with defensive fury. Madelyn: “Where have you been all this time?!” She pressed him. Blake sighed and bowed his head in defeat, searching for an answer, when Ashley’s laughter reverberated off the stone wall between them. Ashley: “SUNSHIRE!”