Search Results

𖤓 Sole-Wielder/Baker/Craftsmaker 𖤓 ESFJ - 22 - 🜬 - 5'5" - Non-Bi-nary Biography Ashley is the youngest member of the Solegatti family and the younger sibling of Blake. They’re nonbinary, not feeling they identify with a man or a woman, but something in between or neither. Although inexperienced, Ashley longs for a taste of life outside of Sunshire and meeting new people to share new experiences with them. Ashley was taught from a young age to help those in need and always do for others. This is one of the main reasons they assist Makayla and go above and beyond to help her, so that Ashley will help others to the detriment of their well-being. Ashley has a bright, sunny disposition and is often cheerful to the point of burying their sadness and ignoring their problems in favor of always being happy. They have recurring nightmares that bring them dread, and they refuse to discuss them. However, this bubbles to the surface when their brother, Blake, tries to control them and shield them from the world; it is their naivete that lands them in trouble with specific individuals. Hopefully, a certain magician can use his magic to whip them from that. DESIGN Relationships Brother Housemate/Friend Housemate/Friend Housemate ZiZi Gallery Characters

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

The characters of Branches Of Sunshire Characters

Branches Of Sunshire Chapter 1 - Majique Mansion The orange glow of sunset cast down on two cloaked figures as they approached the Victorian mansion perched on the cliff. Tall elm trees lined the street of ‘Celestial Crescent’ with the hum of cicadas filling the warm air like a song of the season. Man: “Are you sure this is it, Branch?” The taller figure spoke in a deep voice, narrowing his deep cerulean eyes with scepticism as he ran his fingertips over the rusted number ‘33’ on the stone mailbox. He had an olive-tan complexion, long ombre hair, and an oval face. The short, plump figure turned to him with bright cerulean doe eyes. They shared the same olive-tan complexion but had lighter ombre hair with a side fringe and round features. They resembled a cat, with their curved mouth and wing-tipped eyes. They held a wooden staff in their hand with a golden sun resembling a sunflower perched on the top of it. It had green leaves at the base and the tip of it, and red velvet at the centre of the wooden handle. Branch: “Yep! He told us, “The beacon of light is at the highest peak in the valley of the moon!” They spoke in a feathery voice and pet their fluffy tabby cat nestled in their cloak. Man: “There must be some kind of mistake. He can’t have lived here.” He folded his arms across his chest, and they peered through the iron gate, drinking in the view of towering crimson walls and verdant green. Tall pine trees and an overgrown garden shrouded it, like some hidden secret with tales of the past. It resembled a tower, its turrets set on either side of the gabled roof, with a round stained-glass window at the centre. Branch: “Selene Valley IS the valley of the moon, and this IS the highest peak, Lake!” They smiled up at the golden sun, its reflection on the glass like a beacon of light. Branch gingerly opened the gate, revealing the sun mark on their thumb. It was a circle with a dot at the centre, with eight triangular points surrounding it. 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. They ascended the wooden stairs and stepped onto the porch. Branch admired the lilac Wisteria draping across the veranda as it swayed in the warm breeze. Lake: “How can you be so sure of that?” He exclaimed. Branch traced their fingertips across the stained-glass windows, feeling the textures and admiring the craftsmanship of the ornate roses. Branch: “Look at the craftsmanship here. It's just like Dad's.” Lake paused and tugged at a chain around his neck, pulling out a rusty key. Lake: “Well, there’s only one way to find out…” He slid the key into the keyhole and twisted it with anticipation. They both lit up at the click of the door unlocking. The door creaked open, greeting them to a grand entrance with crimson celestial wallpaper and a wooden stairwell. A large chandelier hung above them from the second-floor ceiling, and the stained-glass windows cast warm lighting around them. Branch shivered as their bare feet stepped onto the cold, black tiles with light, ornate patterns. 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. They ventured down the main hallway through the archway beneath the stairs, with sconces on the wooden-panelled walls. On their left was an archway leading into a large, spacious room with a wooden bar and a dusty old grand piano. Their footsteps echoed across the herringbone floors and tall ceilings, and the light beamed through the arch windows. There were archways on each side of the room, leading into other rooms. The large archway led them into the dining room at the end of the hall. A mahogany dining table and chairs sat under the chandelier at the centre of the room, with a stone fireplace on the back wall. Arch windows with ruby drapes offered a view of a pool and an overgrown greenhouse. Lake: “...So, this is what he left behind for Sunshire?” Branch’s smile dipped into a frown, and they embraced themself. Branch: “Why can’t we go back, Lake?” They knit their eyebrows. Lake: “It’s not safe for us anymore…” He sighed. Branch: “When will Mum and Dad be here?” They pleaded. Lake paused. Lake: “I don’t know…” His voice trailed off, and 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, I didn’t know he had a sense of humour!” Lake paused. Lake: “It seems there was a lot we didn’t know about him…” He pensively observed their surroundings. Branch: “Aww, look, someone gave us a welcome home gift!” They beamed at the freshly cut herbs sitting on the table. Lake: “That doesn’t make any sense… This house has been abandoned for over twenty cycles…” He gaped at them. Branch: “Maybe Ravi came by and gifted it to us?” Lake’s face crumpled. Lake: “Ravi? That’s not possible…” His voice trailed off. Branch’s eyes lit up at the kitchen across from the dining room. They brightened at the deep green hues and checkered marble floors that led into the greenhouse. Dried herbs and flowers hung across the arched windows. Something unfamiliar caught their eye as they entered the kitchen. Branch: “...What is that?” They poked the large metallic green fridge with curiosity. Lake shared their confusion. Branch slowly opened the door, and flinched as the icy cold air smacked them in the face. Branch: “OH NO, it’s winter!” They recoiled, huddling into their cat for warmth and defensively holding out their staff. Lake: “Branch? Are you ok?!” He stood between them and the fridge, unaffected by the icy cold air. He fanned his face as the temperature in the room heated up. Branch: “...Wait, is that food?! Oh my stars, they stocked food for us!” They brightened at the shelves stocked with fresh broccoli, onions, capsicums, pumpkins, eggs, milk and butter. Lake’s eyes widened. Branch: “Ooh, I’m gonna bake a cake!” They chirped. Lake’s face turned pale when something dawned on him, and before he could form the words, an unfamiliar voice answered. “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 and was dressed in an ivory white blouse with bell sleeves and a long, flowing orange skirt with mushrooms printed on it. Lake: “WHO the hell are you and what the hell are you doing here?!” He glared up at the woman, standing protectively in front of Branch. Woman: “Wow, cool, I’ve never met ghosts before! I’m Juniper!” She chuckled. Branch tilted their head. Branch: “...Ghosts? We’re not ghosts?!” They gasped. Juniper: “Oh, then why are you dressed like that?” She smiled dumbly. Branch: “Oh, we’re from Sun–” Lake covered their mouth with his hand. Lake: “Put that away!” He warned them. Branch swallowed hard and waved their staff into the shadows, making it disappear. Lake: “This is our father’s house!” He turned back to Juniper. Juniper: “Oh wow! Me too!” She smiled dumbly. Lake: “...What do you mean by that?!” He gaped at her. Juniper: “This is also my father’s home!” Branch and Lake turned to each other. Branch: “...Wait, he’s your dad, too?!” They tilted their head in confusion. Juniper: “Whoa, you’re my siblings?!” Lake looked at her, then at Branch. Lake: “The fuck is going on here?” “JUNIPER! What did I tell you about bringing vagrants into our home?!” A woman hissed from behind them, casting her icy gaze on them. Branch jolted, startled by the woman who resembled a dark shadow with her black clothing and makeup. She resembled a ghost with her pale skin and heavy black eyeliner that spread across her face. She wore her raven hair styled in a shoulder-length A-line style with white ombre tips resembling ice. Her almond-shaped violet eyes were the only colour she wore. Woman: “Why is it so warm in here?” She groused and pulled out her black fan to fan her face. Lake: “Vagrants? YOUR home?! This is OUR home! Our father owns it!” His fury soared. Branch knit their eyebrows. 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. Nari: “You don’t look like Osennikovas to me.” She scoffed. Lake: “Osennikovas?” Juniper smiled and waved. Juniper: “That’s me! I’m Juniper Osennikova!” She waved at them. Branch smiled and waved back at her. Lake: “I never heard of any 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 covered their mouth with his hand. Nari observed their suspicious behaviour. Nari: “How curious…” She stroked her chin. A tiny meow interjected from within Branch’s cloak, and all eyes turned to them. Another unfamiliar voice cooed from behind them as a third woman appeared. Woman: “IS THAT A KITTY?!” She rushed into the room, over to Branch. They turned to see a chubby woman with a blonde wolf-cut shag and violet eyes. She was dressed in a lace moss-green dress with coat-hanger fairy wings attached to her back and a crown of daisies on her head. Vibrant green and purple eyeshadow adorned her face. Branch: “Yep, that’s my kitty, Stella! Ooh, are you a fairy?!” They chirped. The woman fixed her gaze on Branch, enamoured by their delicate features and curious about their manner of dress. Woman: “I sure am! I’m Madelyn!” She exclaimed, petting Stella’s head. Branch smiled. Madelyn: “Who are your friends?!” She glanced over to Nari and Juniper. Nari: “They're intruders!” She hissed at them. Lake: “No, you're the intruders! This is our father’s home!” He snapped back. Nari: “LIAR!” She huffed and waved her hand at them. Juniper: “We’ll see about that!” Juniper 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: “Oooh! You’re a Sortilege?!” They gasped with big doe eyes. Juniper: “Yes! Are you a Sortilege, too?” Lake: “No!” He interjected. Juniper rubbed her feet up against Branch and Lake’s feet and inhaled deeply as she gripped onto her staff. The tiny mushrooms swayed, and Branch shivered and giggled. Lake: “HEY! What are you doing?!” He yanked away from her, glaring at her. Juniper exhaled deeply. Juniper: “They’re not lying about that , Nari. This is also their father’s home.” She smiled. Branch’s eyes widened at her. How did she know that from our feet? They wondered. Lake “THANK YOU!” 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. Madelyn: “Hmmmm.” She stroked her chin, covering her eye to look at Branch, then covering the opposite eye to look at Juniper, and then back to Branch again. Madelyn: “If they’re telling the truth, how come they don’t look like you?” She laughed, locking her gaze on Branch’s cerulean blue eyes, tugging at their ombre hair. Branch redenned and giggled. 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. Madelyn’s violet eyes lit up as something dawned on her. Madelyn: “Oh my god… IS YOUR FATHER THAT BUSINESSMAN?” She gasped, swinging on her heel. Lake: “Businessman?” Branch tilted their head. Branch: “...What is a businessman?” The women all turned to gape at them. Juniper laughed, thinking they were joking. Nari: “You really did live under a rock.” She clicked her tongue and shook her head at them. Madelyn: “The guy who lived here before Juniper’s family was some famous businessman! I saw his stuff in the attic!” Branch and Lake looked at each other. Branch: “Ooh, show us!” ~ Madelyn led them back down the hallway towards the stairwell. They followed her up the large 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 and windows that lit up the stairwell. There were two rooms on either side of the balcony passage. Madelyn tapped Branch on the shoulder. Madelyn: “Up here!” She exclaimed as she gripped the wooden railing of the spiral staircase behind them. Beside the spiral staircase was a long, dark hallway leading to various rooms. Madelyn held her hand out for Branch. Madelyn: “You go first!” She grinned. Branch: “Oh, okay!” They chirped and stepped onto the wooden step. Madelyn smirked up at the view of their feet from below the stairs, and she pulled out a feather, tickling Branch’s foot, between the steps. Branch gasped and clung onto the railing with a peal of giggles. Branch: “H-Hey! HAhahahahahahahHahaah!” Lake glared at Madelyn and snatched the feather from her. 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 next!” He pushed ahead, following after Branch. Madelyn: “Aww, you're no fun.” She laughed and pouted. ~ They reached the top of the spiral staircase into the attic space. Branch looked around the room and 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. There was a stack of dusty old boxes piled up in the nooks and corners. Madelyn scurried over to the boxes, pulling out a dusty portrait of a man with cerulean-blue eyes and dark, slicked-back hair, dressed in a grey suit, posing 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, pulling out an old family photo. It depicted them and Lake as children with their parents, sitting together under a large mystical tree dressed in ivory clothing with sun markings. Their mother had long platinum hair, olive-tan skin, and amber eyes with catlike features, and their father wore his dark hair tied 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 with intrigue at what she saw. Lake: “Put that away!” He grabbed the portrait off Branch, tucking it into his cloak. Madelyn gazed at them curiously. Who are they? Where are they from? Nari peered up from the stairs. Nari: “So, your father was Nikolai Sabatini?!” Lake and Branch both turned to her. Branch: “Huh? No, his name is River! Sabatini?!” They titled their head. Nari: “Interesting…” She stroked her chin. Lake: “...Why do you know that name? What do you know?” He pressed her. Nari: “I’m more curious about how you don’t know. The disappearance of Nikolai Sabatini is a well-known case. He disappeared in the year 1960, which was twenty-five years ago now…” She declared. Branch: “Oh, Lake was born in 1960!” They gasped at Lake. Lake froze. Nari: “...Lake?” She laughed and quirked an eyebrow. Lake: “Blake! They said Blake!” He said quickly. Branch titled their head. Lake: “Would you excuse us? We need to talk in private.” He urged the women. Nari clicked her tongue. Nari: “Sure, whatever.” She drolled, climbing back down the stairs, signalling for the other two to follow. Lake turned to Branch, closing the latch door behind them and pushing a box over it. Branch: “What was that about?!” They gaped at him. Lake pressed his forefinger against his lips. Branch: “Oh! Vahl kiz mein bha?!” (What was that about?) They reiterated, shifting their eyes. Lake: “Don’t speak in that language!” He hushed them. Lake: “Let’s switch to our father’s tongue!” He urged them. Lake: “Non possiamo fidarci degli sconosciuti!” (We can’t trust outsiders!) ~ 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, pointing up at the ceiling. Nari rolled her eyes. Nari: “Yes, and that is suspicious. They're up to something…” She stroked her chin. Madelyn leaned up against the panelled wall, thinking of that strange family photo. ~ Lake paced around the attic as the sunlight grew dim and night was about to set. Lake: “Se lo sapessero, prosciugherebbe la tua fonte di energia!” (If they knew, they’d drain your energy source!) Branch knit their eyebrows and recoiled. Branch: “Si… Ravi ci aveva avvertiti…” (Yes… Ravi had warned us…) Lake held up the portrait of Nikolai in his suit. Lake: “Dobbiamo integrarci nel mondo esterno. I nostri nomi attireranno troppa attenzione su di noi e rivelerebbero troppo!” (We need to blend into the outside world. Our names will bring too much attention to us and reveal too much!) Branch smiled at him and nodded. Branch pondered for a moment. They didn’t feel like a Brandy or a Brandon. They flicked their gaze to a cat collar on the floor with the name ‘Ashley’ engraved on it. Branch: “Oh, voglio quel nome!” (Oh, I want that name!) They chirped. Lake glanced at them. Lake: “Ashley?” Branch eagerly nodded. Blake: “Alright, Ashley, it is.” Ashley smiled. Ashley: “Alright, Blake!” They winked at him. Blake: “Ora, dobbiamo farli uscire da casa nostra!” (Now, we have to get them out of our house!) Ashley sighed and bowed their head. Ashley: “Ma dove andranno? (But where will they go?)” Blake: “Non è un nostro problema. A me interessa solo proteggerti (That's not our problem. I only care about protecting you!)” He assured them. Ashley sighed. ~ When the women heard the latch of the attic click open, they scurried away like cats. Blake descended from the attic, as Ashley followed behind him. Juniper: “Ooh, what are you up to, Blake and Ashley?!” She smiled at them. Ashley tilted their head. Blake lightly nudged their arm. Ashley: “O-oh, right, that's me, haha! I'm Ashley...” They chuckled. Blake gaped at them. Ashley: "Ashley... Sole... Gatti! Ashley Solegatti! We're the Solegattis!" They smiled and glanced down at their cat. Blake gaped at them. Blake: "...Solegatti?! Sun cat?! BRANCH!" He whispered hoarsely at Ashley under his breath, out of earshot. Nari: "Solegatti? I thought it would be Sabatini?" She stroked her chin. Ashley: "Oh, that's because it's our mother's surname!" They tilted their head. Nari narrowed her gaze on them suspiciously. 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. Juniper: “I can hear you with my feet…” She bent forward, glancing down at her feet. Blake arched an eyebrow at her. What a strange woman, he thought. Ashley: “OH! Can your feet understand Italian?!” They gasped. Blake gaped at them both. Juniper: “No.” She shook her head in confirmation. Blake: “Good.” He deadpanned. Nari: “Something you don’t want us to know, huh?” She slowly folded her arms across her chest. Ashley froze. 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 narrowed her eyes on Blake. Nari: “If we can’t get answers from you… Perhaps we can from Ashley…” She flicked her violet gaze onto Ashley, who froze. Ashley: “M-Me?!” They stammered, gesturing to their chest. Blake: “Don’t tell them anything!” He exclaimed to Ashley. Ashley: I won’t!” They covered their mouth with their hand. Nari narrowed her gaze on Ashley. Nari: “I have my ways of making you talk…” She smirked and stroked her chin. 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 in the air 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 of it. 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. 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. Blake: “HEY!” He rasped and went to charge for them, but he was pulled back by roots forming out of the wooden floorboards, wrapping 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 with a deep inhale. Blake: “No shit, I’m tense!” He struggled in his rooted bonds. Madelyn: “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 women. Nari stepped forward, locking her gaze on Ashley and Blake. Nari: “Yes, we are indeed Majique-Wielders. It’s peculiar, you know of the ancient term ‘Sortilege’, but you don’t know what a businessman is…” She pondered. Blake frowned, and Ashley shifted their eyes. Nari: “No matter, we will get our answers. Bring them into the crypt!” She placed her hand to her mouth and chortled dramatically. Ashley swallowed hard and knit their eyebrows, and Blake’s fury soared. ~ The three women dragged Ashley and Blake back down the stairs to the entrance. They approached another staircase, descending into a dark room with a dim glow of purple lights. Ashley: “T-The crypt?! That doesn’t sound good!” They whimpered as they entered the darkness and cold stone walls. Ashley: “Shiver me whiskers! It’s like winter down here!” They shivered. Blake: “What are you going to do to us?!” He huffed and eyed the door by the bookshelf with a sliver of light to the outside. Nari: “We’re going to torture you, of course!” She laughed, dragging them deeper into the darkness and over to a large iron door. Ashley: “Oh no!” They cried and clung to their cat. Blake: “WHAT? You wouldn’t dare!” He rasped and struggled in his bonds. Nari: “Oh, I would dare!” She kicked the door open, leading them into a dark room with mirrors on the walls. Ashley eyed the furniture with curiosity and apprehension. It was not like anything they had seen before. Swinging chains were hanging off the ceiling, and there was a plank of wood plastered on the wall like a trophy with holes in it. There was a large black leather chair with straps, accompanied by wooden stocks at the base of the chair. A black glass cabinet sat in the corner of the room with books and what looked to be potions. Blake: “What the fuck?!” He gaped. Ashley nervously huddled into themself. Madelyn: “Aww! Don’t be scared!” She petted Ashley’s head. Ashley swallowed hard. Nari: “NO! Be afraid! Be VERY afraid!” She taunted, grabbing Ashley by the daisy chain rope and dragging 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: “BRANCH!” He gasped with panic written across his face. Blake: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LET GO OF THEM!” He rasped and glared at her. Nari: “...Branch?” She quirked an eyebrow, looking 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…” They laughed awkwardly at the chain hanging off the ceiling. Nari blinked mutely. Nari: “Get out of here, you fool!” She waved her hand at Blake. Blake glared at her and tried to lunge forward. Blake: “GET AWAY FROM ASHLEY!” He struggled in his daisy chains. Nari folded her arms across her chest and pouted. Nari: “Ugh, that’s enough out of you! Take that one to the other chamber.” She clicked her fingers and pointed to the room adjacent to them. Juniper smiled and nodded, skipping over to Blake. Juniper: “Okeydokey! Come along now! She sang as she dragged him by the daisy chain. Nari twisted her mouth. Nari: “You’re supposed to be menacing, Juniper!” She hissed at her. Juniper: “Oh, right! Ooohhohoooooo! Come along nooooowww!” She hollered in a ghost impression, dragging Blake out of the room. Nari heaved a sigh and rubbed her forehead. Nari turned to Madelyn, who was petting Ashley’s head like a cat and holding their tabby cat 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. Nari sighed again. Nari: “Go watch Juniper! I don’t trust her alone with him!” She pointed to the door. Madelyn frowned and put Ashley’s cat down on the couch. Madelyn: “Aww, fine, but it’s not Juniper I don’t trust…” She pouted and sauntered out of the room. Ashley tilted their head. Nari heaved a sigh and shook her head. Nari: “Now, where were we?” She smirked at Ashley. Ashley: “Oh, uhh, you were going to let me go bake a cake?!” They stammered. Nari: “Nice try.” She chortled and turned to face the mirror on the wall. A deep purple staff formed in her hand under the moonlight. A crescent moon was perched on top with a purple glow and the silhouette of a raven at the centre. Amethyst jewels were encrusted into the staff, with jewels draping down it. Ashley: “Y-Your majique is from the moon?!” They gasped at her. Nari: “Indeed. But that’s not all!” She turned to the cabinet and pulled out a glass bottle containing water inside it. Ashley: “Water?!” Their eyes widened. Nari: “Very good.” She swirled the water around, waving her staff over it as it turned a deep shade of purple, matching her eyes. Nari: “Let’s see if you can survive my most powerful potion.” She hummed. Ashley’s heart sank. Ashley: “W-Wait, what do you mean by survive?!” They gasped with a mix of fear and confusion. Nari placed her hand over her chin and chortled. Nari: “Oh ho ho ho! You will see!” She cackled, pouring the potion into Ashley’s mouth. Ashley shrieked as they felt their entire body convulsing, and a glittering purple glow enveloped them. Ashley: “W-What’s happening to me?!” They cried and stammered as they felt a tingling sensation swarm around their feet, shooting up to their legs and to their tummy. It felt as if the purple glitter particles were tickling them all over. Ashley: “Hahah haHAHA HAH AHEHEH EHEH EHEEEE! W-WHAT’S GOING ON?! WH-WHAT DID YOU DO TO MEEEEHEHEHEHHEEHE?!” They screamed and squirmed as the tingling sensation shot up through their neck and took over their entire body. Nari pulled out her black feathered fan and fluttered it against her reddened face. Nari: “Oh my, we haven’t even begun. I’m not even touching you.” She teased, and something caught her eye. Her eyes immediately darted to the sun marking on their thumb. Nari: “Oooh, what’s this now?” She took their hand, caressing her fingertips over their markings. Ashley: “O-oh, uh, nothing!” They stammered and shivered. Nari: “I’ll just have to punish you until you tell me!” She commanded as she tickled 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. 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 and trickled her fingers across his feet. Blake: “HaHAAHAHAahahaha STOP THAT!” He snapped and glared at her. Madelyn: “Who are you? Where are you from? What’s with the tree and the robes?” She asked him, tugging at his robe. Blake: “I’m not going to tell you that.” He huffed. Madelyn: “I’ll make you talk then!” She teased, waving her staff across his daisy chains, shifting them into feathers to tickle him. Blake: “HAHAHahah hAHAHAHhah DON’T! HAHHAHAHA STOP IT!” He rasped between enraged laughter. Juniper: “Oh, they’re sole-wielders!” She smiled and waved her hand. Blake and Madelyn gaped at her. Madelyn: “...Sole-Wielders?!” Her eyes widened. Blake: “Great. Bra–Ashley told you.” He huffed. Juniper shook her head. Juniper: “No, your soul told me! I told you! I can read energy with my feet!” She exclaimed, holding up her foot. Blake drew a long breath. Blake: “...Your friend was right, your feet are broken!” He said quickly. Madelyn: “WOW! Sole-Wielders are real?!” She gasped, poking at him and tugging at him. Blake: "Stop that! I am NOT a Sole-wielder!" He protested. Madelyn: “Where have you been all this time?!” She pressed him. Blake sighed and bowed his head. Ashley: “SUNSHIRE!” Ashley cried out from the other side of the wall between breaths of laughter.

Branches Of Sunshire Chapter 3 Welcome to Celestial Crescent Ashley stood under a large stained-glass window, shaped like a sun symbol with eight points and a circle at its centre. They inhaled deeply to the humming drone of string instruments and percussion. A bright orange glow surrounded them, filling them with warmth. The music grew faster and louder, and the warm glow slowly formed into hot flames dancing across the walls and engulfing them. Ashley scooped up their cat and panicked as the smoke fogged their vision. Ashley: “Mum! Dad! Lake?!” They cried out as the foggy room spun around them and the smell of burning ash permeated the air. They heard a voice cry “Branch!” and suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed them, pulling them into the darkness of the night. They were surrounded by a fog of smoke, blasting percussion, and distorted stringed instruments. ~ Ashley jolted awake, panting as their heart thundered in their chest. They glanced up to see Blake standing over their bed and staring out the window. Ashley: “L-Lake?!” They stammered and sniffed the smoke in the air, hearing the blare of percussion and the distorted strings coming from outside. Ashley: “W-What’s going on?!” They shifted their eyes and held their cat close, peering over his shoulder. They peered out the window, glancing down into the neighbour's backyard, where they saw silhouettes of people surrounding a large bonfire, talking, laughing, and drinking as loud music blared around them. Ashley: “...Is that a ritual?!” They tilted their head and smiled, feeling their worries wash away. Blake: "What kind of ritual is that?” He twisted his mouth, gesturing to the people chanting around a spinning clothesline, drinking from silver sacks hanging off it. Ashley chuckled. Ashley: “I have no idea! Let's go see!” They exclaimed, turning on their heel to leave the room. Blake grabbed Ashley’s arm. Blake: “NO, Branch!” He blurted. Ashley paused and glanced up at Blake. Blake: “You need to rest!” He urged them, looking up at the moon with concern. Ashley bowed their head. Ashley: “...Right. Nighttime is for rest.” They forced a smile and sat back down on their bed. Blake kept his focus on the window. Ashley: “But then why aren't they resting at night? Are they Hivernal-Wielders? Wait, then why do they have fire then?! Is it electricity?! I have so many questions!” They tilted their head and stroked their chin. Blake twisted his mouth. Blake: “I don't know, but they need to cut it out! We're trying to sleep!” He huffed, folding his arms across his chest Blake: “I'm going to go tell them to shut up!” He marched for the door. Ashley: “Ooh, can I come, too?!” They beamed. Blake held his hand up to Ashley. Blake: “NO! You stay here!” He urged them firmly. Ashley bowed their head and pouted. Blake: "Don't worry, I'll only be gone for five minutes, and then we can get some shut-eye!” He assured Ashley, closing the door behind him. ~ Blake crept down the dark hallway, his footsteps creaking on the wooden floorboards as he made his way towards the stairs and approached the large glass door at the bottom of the staircase. As soon as he twisted the doorknob, he felt a pair of hands tickling his sides. Blake: “ARGH! HAhahahahaaha!” He rasped and turned around to see Juniper towering over him. She was dressed in her pyjamas, which consisted of a frilly pastel apricot crop top and shorts. Juniper: “Ooh, where are you going?!” She teased. Blake: “Don't do THAT! He hissed, pulling away from her. Blake: I'm going to tell the neighbours to shut up!” Juniper chuckled. Juniper: “Oh, okay! Good luck with that!” She smiled and patted his head. Blake: “Thanks.” He stepped outside, closing the door behind him. Nari emerged from the basement stairs and sauntered up to Juniper as they watched Blake leave through the window. Nari: “Oh, you got rid of the Sole-Wielders?” She smiled. Juniper: “Nope! He will be back! He's going to go tell the neighbours to shut up!” She smiled. Nari gaped at her. Nari: “You're shitting me.” Cackling emerged from the top of the stairs, and they both glanced up to see Madelyn, laughing with amusement. Madelyn: “Oh, this I HAVE to see!” She exclaimed, rushing down the stairs to join them in watching Blake through the window. ~ Blake emerged from the iron gate, closing it behind him. He stepped out onto the street, under the moonlight, following the trail of noise to the derelict weatherboard house next door. It was surrounded by tall elm trees and an overgrown lawn, with beer cans and fast-food boxes scattered across it. A pizza sat on the terracotta gabled roof. Silhouettes of people could be seen through the bay windows. He could hear people singing and laughing over distorted string instruments and percussion sounds he had never heard before, and something about it called to him. He stepped over the minefield of beer cans and Burger boxes, approaching the door. A foul odour wafted from below, and he glanced down to see a pair of steel cap boots and groused at the stink. He turned to the door and pounded on it. Blake: “Hello?! Can you be quiet?!” He hollered. He stood impatiently tapping his foot, waiting for a response. The door burst open, and he was greeted by a tall and tan, muscular man with a lion's mane of curly blonde hair, gripping a beer can. His face was obscured by Ray-Ban sunglasses, and he wore a frayed denim vest over torn jeans and a white shirt that read “Nuklear Intoxikation” in a spiky green font. Man: “Who the fuck are you?!” He slurred his words in a gruff voice and lowered his sunglasses to lock his lime green eyes onto Blake, drinking him in. Blake: “I'm your neighbour, and we're trying to sleep, so be quiet!” He said firmly. The man burst out laughing. Man: “Wahahaha! Who do you think you are, tryna push ME around? Nah, I'M the dom! YOU be quiet!” He slurred, draping his arm around him. Blake gaped at him and pulled away from him. Blake: “Look, Dom, it's late at night, and we're trying to sleep!” He huffed, folding his arms. The man laughed at him. Man: “Oi! My name's CRAIG, not fuckin’ Dom!” He gestured to himself. Blake: “Okay, Craig. It's late at night, and we're trying to sleep, so will you shut up?” He reiterated. Craig gaped at him. Craig: “...Who do ya think you are, mate?” He laughed. Blake: “A disgruntled neighbour.” He folded his arms across his chest. Craig gaped at him and examined him, tugging at his robe. Craig: “What's with the robe? Did ya think this is a Halloween party?! Wahaha! Oi! Everyone, check out this weirdo cunt dressed as Jesus!” He draped his arm around Blake, ushering him inside with him. Blake: “HEY!” He snapped at him. ~ Craig dragged Blake into the cluttered and chaotic mess of a house party. A sea of people surrounded them, all dressed like Craig in denim, staring and laughing at Blake as heavy music blared in the background. Craig dragged Blake over to the stacked-up couches resembling a throne. Craig: “See, I’M the king of the jungle, mate!” He proclaimed as he sat on top of the throne of couches. Craig: “You don’t order ME around! YOU bow to me!” He winked at him from above with a grin. Blake paused and furrowed his eyebrows. Blake: “No. I refuse to bow to another like you!” He hissed and clenched his fists. Craig gaped at him. Craig: “Pfft, hahaha! You ain’t never had one like me! There ain’t anyone like me!” He leaned forward, winking at him. Blake looked around the room at the people dressed in matching denim vests and torn jeans. Blake: “Then why are your disciples all dressed like you then?” He frowned. Craig laughed. Craig: "Disciples?! Wahahaha, you’re a funny cunt!” He cackled, jumping off the throne and draping his arm around him. Blake frowned at him. Craig: “How about ya bow for me in the bedroom? I’ll show you I ain’t nothin’ like your ex-boyfriend!” He whispered in his ear and winked at him. Blake: “No! I told you! I’m not bowing to you!” Blake gaped at him and yanked away from him. Craig gaped at him. Craig: “...What do you mean no?!” His voice rose, and he furrowed his eyebrows at him. Another man’s voice interjected from behind them as he emerged from the bedroom. Man: “What’s going on here?” He spoke with a feathery voice. Blake paused when he turned to see a man with long raven hair, braided to the side with a prominent white streak framing his face. He locked his gaze on his striking ice blue eyes and delicate features. He was dressed in a black coat, a purple dress shirt, and black pants, with silver moon jewellery that sparkled in the moonlight. Craig: “Oh, hey, Andreas! Nothin’ much, just chattin’ to Jesus!” He laughed at Blake as he rolled his eyes. Andreas swung his gaze to Blake, drinking him in with piqued curiosity when he noted his strange clothing. Andreas: “Who are you and why are you dressed like that?” He asked softly and sauntered over to him. Blake locked his gaze onto Andreas. Blake: “...I’m Blake… Solegatti and I’m your neighbour…” He ran his fingers through his hair and winced. Why did I just say that ridiculous surname? Andreas: “Oh, that explains the clothing.” He nodded. Craig: “Yeah, he’s one of those weirdo witches from that freaky mansion!” He laughed. Blake: “I am NOT a witch!” He groused at him. Craig: “Fuckin’ oath you ain’t cos magic ain’t real!” He laughed. Andreas frowned at Craig. Andreas: “I see now.” He cross-examined Blake with curiosity. Blake caught his gaze on him and nervously looked away, turning his attention to the window, where he saw a black raven staring in at them with a crystal around its neck. Huh, that’s odd? He thought. ~ The black raven flew to Nari, as she stood in the backyard under the moonlight with Juniper and Madelyn. The raven perched itself onto her staff, and she felt the crystal necklace around it. Nari furrowed her eyebrows. Nari: “Foolish commonfolk! It’s Majique, and it’s real!” She scoffed and rolled her eyes. Madelyn: “Anything interesting?” She inquired. Nari: “Nothing of the sort. There’s no woman in sight! Just a bunch of men yelling at each other!” She waved her hand. Madelyn: “Oh, so she’s not there?” She laughed bitterly. Nari quirked an eyebrow at her. Suddenly, Juniper was alerted by a vibration from the earth under her foot. Juniper: “I detect movement from our gate!” Nari frowned, and Madelyn pursed her lips. Nari: “It better not be who I think it is!” She groused. They peered over to the gate and saw Ashley emerging from the house, Juniper: “Oh, never mind, it’s just Ashley!” She smiled. Madelyn: “Where are they going?!” She watched as they left. Nari: “Well, looks like the Sole-Wielders are gone now!” She smirked. Juniper: “Nope, they’re just heading to the party!” She corrected her with a smile as Ashley approached the house. Madelyn: “Ooh! Send your raven again, Nari!” She exclaimed. Nari eyed Ashley with curiosity. Nari: “Oh, alright! Go forth, Dalnim!” She hollered at her Raven, sending her back to spy on the house. ~ Ashley nervously tiptoed across the lawn and approached the door. Ashley: “Hello? Blake? Are you in there? It’s been longer than five minutes, are you ok?” They knit their eyebrows, gently pawing their hand at the door like a cat. Ashley’s nose scrunched up at the odour steaming from the steel cap boots at the door. Ashley: “Pee-yew!” They fanned their face in disgust. The door burst open, and they were greeted by a short, plump woman with voluminous purple hair, groggily leaning against the doorframe. She had a dark tan complexion with freckles under her cheeks, and she was dressed in skin-tight black clothing that clung tightly to her plump figure. She froze and stared at Ashley as if she had seen a ghost. Woman: “B-Br…” She stammered. Ashley tilted their head and glanced down at their robe. Ashley: “OH! Oh, no! Donut worry, I’m not a ghost, haha! I had this problem before!” They waved their hands. Ashley: “I’m Ashley Solegatti from next door! Nice to meet you!” They greeted her with a tiny wave. The woman snapped out of her daze. Woman: “...Ashley Solegatti?” She gave them a quizzical look, locking her piercing green eyes on them, drinking them in. Ashley: “Yeah! It means sun cat, haha!” They chuckled. Ashley: “I was just looking for my brother! Have you seen him?” They pressed, peering over her shoulder inside. Woman: “Your brother, huh?” She leaned in closer to Ashley. Woman: “...Does he wear that symbol, too?” She tugged at Ashley’s robe and flicked her gaze up at them. Ashley: “Yes! He does!” They nodded. The woman smiled widely at Ashley, giving them a look. Woman: “Let's go find him then!” She exclaimed, grabbing their hand and dragging them inside. Ashley reddened and beamed. Ashley: “W-Woah!” They chuckled. Ashley froze up as they were whisked into the dark and smoky living room, full of people aggressively banging their heads to angry music, shouting about decapitating people. Ashley: “...Oh, dear! That's not very nice!” They winced and covered their ears. The woman laughed at Ashley and dragged them through the crowd. Woman: “Heavy Metal doesn't play nice!” She taunted. Ashley: “Heavy Metal? What’s that?” They tilted their head at her. Woman: “You’re joking, right?” She paused and turned to gape at Ashley. Ashley shook their head in confirmation. Ashley: “No… I don’t even know your name, haha!” They chuckled. The woman’s jaw dropped. Woman: “...You don’t know who I am?!” Her voice rose to a high-pitched squeal. Ashley shook their head again. Woman: “I am Makayla Medeiros!” She shouted back to them over the blasting music. Makayla: “You were never told about me?!” She groused. Ashley: “Uhh? Nope!” Makayla pouted. Makayla: “So, tell me about your brother.” She gazed at Ashley. Ashley: “Oh, he looks like me, except taller, manlier, and slimmer than me, haha!” They explained, standing up on their tiptoes and poking their tummy. Makayla swung her gaze down at their tummy. Makayla: “...Wait, what do you mean slimmer than you?” She pressed them. Ashley: “Uhh, like, he’s not fat like me, haha?” They laughed and scratched their head. “ASHLEY!” Ashley paused, turned toward the voice calling their name, and saw Blake standing with Craig and Andreas by the doorway to the backyard. Ashley: “Oh, hey, Blake! There he is!” They waved at him and nudged Makayla. Makayla: “...Oh? That’s your brother?” Her smile faltered. Ashley: “Yep, that’s Blake!” They chirped. Makayla: “...Is he your only brother?” She asked. Ashley arched an eyebrow at her odd question. Ashley: “Uhh, yeah? Why do you ask?” They pressed her. Blake interjected as he approached them. Blake: “What are you doing here?! Go home!” He hissed between clenched teeth, ushering Ashley towards the door. Ashley: “I was worried about you… You were gone for a long time.” They sighed. Blake: “You don’t have anything to worry about! I can take care of myself.” He assured them. Ashley: “Blake, do we have another brother?” Blake paused and arched an eyebrow at them. Blake: “What? No? Why do you ask?” He folded his arms across his chest. Ashley swung their gaze to Makayla. Makayla: “You remind me of Brad…” She said to Ashley. Ashley and Blake exchanged a look. Craig approached them, draping his arm around Blake with a scoff. Craig: “PFFT, What? Are you high, Makayla? That ain’t Brad! That’s a chick!” He pointed at Ashley with his beer bottle. Blake rolled his eyes at Craig, pulling away from him. Ashley: “Hello! I’m Ashley!” They greeted Craig with a smile and a wave. Craig: “See! Ashley is a chick name!” He pointed at Ashley and laughed. Blake: “Actually, Ashley is a unisex name.” He corrected him. Ashley nodded in confirmation. Ashley: “Uhh, so who is Brad? I never heard of a Brad before?” They tilted their head and scratched their head. Makayla gaped at them. Makayla: “...You don’t know him?!” She gasped. Blake: “No. Sorry, lady, we don’t know anyone named Brad.” He shrugged. Makayla: “Are you sure about that?” She pressed them. Ashley: “Very sure! We’re the only ones of our kind here, so that’s impossible!” They smiled and nodded. Makayla: “What kind is that?” She pressed them. Ashley: “Oh, we’re Sole-” Blake covered Ashley’s mouth with his hand. Blake: “Solo travellers from Passuluna!” He interjected. Andreas: “You’re from Passuluna?” He approached them, examining them both. Craig pulled away from Blake and draped his arm around Andreas, pulling him in for a kiss. Blake: “Yes… That’s where our father was born!” He said awkwardly, observing Craig with Andreas. Ashley tilted their head, observing Blake. Andreas: “Oh, that’s South of Viteuli, right? I’m from Aurorwegia!” He smiled. Ashley: “Where is that?” Andreas arched an eyebrow at them. Andreas: “North of Euryz. You’re from Passuluna, but you never heard of Aurorwegia?” He asked gently with intrigue. Blake shifted his eyes. Makayla interjected, tossing her empty beer bottle over her shoulder. Makayla: “Andreaaaaaas! Doesn’t he look like Brad?!” She cut in, draping her arm around Ashley. Ashley: “...He?” They titled their head. Andreas: “Oh, are you related to Brad?” He asked, cross-examining Ashley and Blake. Ashley and Blake looked at each other. Ashley: “I don’t think so? We don’t know anyone named Brad.” They scratched their head. Blake: “Who the fuck is Brad?” He folded his arms. Craig burst out laughing. Craig: “Just some dumb cunt!” He waved his hand. Makayla glared at Craig. Makayla: “He isn’t some dumb cunt!” She huffed, slapping his arm. Craig recoiled. Craig: “Oww!” He pouted, rubbing his arm. Makayla: “Brad was the love of my life…” She sighed, clasping her hands together and glancing up at the moon out the window. Ashley: “Oh, what happened to him?” They titled their head. Makayla: “He went missing a few months ago… No one has seen him since.” She sighed, embracing herself. Blake arched an eyebrow. Ashley: “Oh, I’m so sorry…” They sighed, pulling her into a hug. Makayla’s eyes widened when they hugged her, and she hugged them back. Craig: “He probably ditched ya for someone else!” He snorted. Makayla: “Brad would never do that to me!” She snapped at him. Andreas: “I’m sure he will turn up at a Voyage Burger somewhere, Maklayla.” He assured her in a deadpan tone. What the hell is a Voyage Burger? Blake pondered. Makayla: “Really?! Did you see that in a fortune?!” She exclaimed. Ashley swung their gaze to Andreas. Ashley: “Ooh! You’re a fortune teller?!” They gasped. Andreas nodded in confirmation. Andreas: “Yes.” Craig scoffed. Craig: “Pfft, the only fortune teller is Brad’s four chins! He’s a four-chin teller! Wahaha!” He cackled with amusement. Makayla and Andreas frowned at him. Ashley tilted their head. Ashley: “Oh wow, that’s a lot of chins, haha!” Craig burst out laughing. Makayla pouted. Ashley: “Donut worry, I’ll help you find Brad!” They offered with a smile, placing their hand on Makayla’s shoulder. Makayla: “Really?! You’re the best!” She brightened at Ashley. Blake: “WHAT?! No, you’re not! We’re going home!” He exclaimed, taking Ashley’s arm and ushering them towards the door. Ashley: “Aww, come on, Blake!” They pleaded with him. Craig stood in front of the door, blocking their exit. Craig: “Aww, come on, Blake! Why are you leaving so soon? The party’s just gettin’ started!” He taunted and laughed. Makayla: “Fine, you can go, but leave Ashley here!” She pouted, grabbing Ashley’s other arm. Ashley laughed awkwardly. Blake glared at her and slapped her hand away from Ashley. Blake: “Get out of our way.” He huffed at Craig. Craig: “Not til you come see me play!” He grabbed his arm. Blake: “Play? What are you, five?” He rolled his eyes. Craig narrowed his eyes. Craig: “PFFT, NO! Come see me play in my band, ya drongo!” He snapped, pounding his chest, where the ‘Nuklear Intoxikation’ logo sat on his shirt. Andreas: “Our band, Craig.” He sighed. Ashley: “Oooh! You guys are in a band? How fun! We would all play in little bands around the bonfires and would sing together!” They beamed. Andreas gave them a bemused look. Craig gaped at them and laughed. Craig: “NO, not that hippie-dippie shit! THRASH METAL!” He exclaimed. Ashley: “Trash metal? What’s that?” They titled their head. Craig gaped at them both. Craig: “THRASH METAL, NOT TRASH METAL!” He snapped. Blake drew a breath. Blake: “Okay, if we see this thrash metal, will you please be quiet and let us sleep?” He folded his arms across his chest. Craig: “Alright, alright! You can crash after ya see me thrash!” He waved his hand at Blake. Andreas arched an eyebrow at Craig. Why does he want him to see our band so badly? He pondered. ~ The party poured out into the backyard, buzzing with excited cheering. Ashley smiled at the people surrounding the metal clothesline at the centre of the overgrown lawn, drinking from silver sacks by the bonfire. Ashley: “What ritual is that?” They tugged at Makayla, pointing at it. Makayla chuckled. Makayla: “Ritual? Haha, you’re so cute!” She cooed. Ashley smiled and blushed. Craig: “The ritual of gettin’ wasted off goon!” He laughed. Blake: “What is a goon?” He pressed him. Craig burst out laughing. Craig: “Somethin’ you need in ya right now!” He exclaimed, yanking the silver sack off the clothesline and throwing it at him. Blake: “...That doesn’t explain anything?” He eyed the sack of liquid incredulously. Andreas turned to Blake. Andreas: “It’s what they call ‘Boxed Wine’ here. It’s Osolarius slang.” He explained. Blake: “Oh… why is it in a sack?” He asked, holding it up with an incredulous look. Andreas: “I don’t know, but it’s disgusting. You don’t have to drink that.” He took it from him and threw it over his shoulder. Blake laughed a bit. Craig swung his gaze at them and frowned. Craig: “OI! What are ya doin’, Andreas?”! He pouted. Andreas: “...What are you doing, Craig?” He arched an eyebrow at him, folding his arms across his chest. Something is off about him tonight, Andreas pondered. Ashley’s eyes widened at the wooden stage set up with neon green lights and large speakers towering over them. Planks of wood were uneven and attached at random angles. Nails and bolts poked out, creating a hazardous mess. Blake: “Who built this?” He frowned. Craig: “I did!” He beamed proudly, gesturing to his chest. Blake: “...I can tell.” He twisted his mouth. Craig: “Cheers, mate!” He grinned widely. Blake gaped at him. Ashley: “Oh, uh… nice job!” They smiled politely, giving him a thumbs-up. Craig beamed widely. Blake: “Why are you lying to him, Ashley? He didn’t do a good job.” He shook his head. Ashley awkwardly shifted their eyes. Craig paused and turned to him. Craig: “...WHAT?!” His right eye twitched. Andreas drew a breath. Blake: “I mean, you didn’t do any measurements, and you didn’t hammer in the nails properly; someone could get hurt… Is that duct tape?” He ran his fingertips across the wood and jolted. Blake: “Splinters! You didn’t bother to sand it?” He shook his head. Craig’s bottom lip trembled. Craig: “O-oh yeah?! I’d like to see YOU do better, cunt!!” He snapped and pointed at Blake’s face. Blake: “I would do it better.” He declared, swiping his hand out of his face. Ashley: “Yeah, Blake was one of the best carpenters in… our… village.” They chirped. Andreas: “Really now? That’s impressive.” He smiled at Blake. Blake: “Oh, uh, thanks…” He mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. Craig pouted and huffed. Craig: “Pfft, whatever, I know what I’m doin’ ‘n the stage is fine the way it is! I don’t need you tellin’ me what to do, Mr. Know-it-all-know-nothing!” He huffed and climbed up onto the stage. Blake: “Speak for yourself.” He shook his head up at Craig. Andreas turned to Blake. Andreas: “Sorry… Craig is very sensitive.” He sighed. Blake arched an eyebrow. Blake: “So are the people who would get crushed and hurt under his weak construction work.” He shook his head. Andreas: “Oh, Craig is a destruction worker, not a construction worker.” He declared. Ashley: “Oh, so he destroys things?!” They tilted their head. Blake: “...I can see that.” He folded his arms as Craig threw his empty beer bottle onto the stage, shattering into pieces. He grinned and held his arms up as the crowd cheered and laughed. Andreas: “Well… yeah, but also, he demolishes houses for a living.” He clarified. Ashley: “Oh, no! Why would he destroy people’s homes?!” They knit their eyebrows. Andreas arched an eyebrow at their question. Andreas: “Well, old houses fall apart and need to be demolished and cleared away for new buildings… like the tower.” He explained and pondered. Ashley: “The Tower?” They tilted their head. Suddenly, Andreas was grabbed from behind, in Craig’s tight grip. Craig: “ANDREAS! It’s go time!” He commanded, pulling him up onto the stage with him. Andreas: “Argh! Craig! Be careful!” He gasped, startled by the intrusion, as the stage swayed under the pressure. Blake’s eyes widened, and he twisted his mouth. Ashley gasped. Blake: “Pazzesco!” He huffed and folded his arms across his chest. Craig: “Where the FUCK is Makayla?!” He huffed, looking around for her in the crowd. Makayla emerged from the house with a large chocolate cake. Makayla: “COMING!” She hollered back at him. All eyes turned to her as they eyed the cake. Makayla made her way through the crowd, approaching Ashley. Makayla: “This is for you, enjoy!” She smiled at them and handed them the cake with a wink. Ashley tilted their head. Ashley: “Oh? Uhh, thanks? Haha.” They laughed with confusion. Blake arched an eyebrow. Blake: “The fuck?” Makayla climbed onto the stage with them, causing it to creak and sway under their weight. Blake drew a breath. Andreas clung to the beam and lifted his black guitar over his shoulder. It had a sharp, black, asymmetric body shape with a pointed headstock. He strummed it with his left hand as he waited for Craig and Makayla. Makayla pulled out a glittering neon purple bass guitar. It had a large headstock with a glowing purple gemstone at the centre and flower-petal-shaped tuning pegs. Amethyst gems were set into the knobs along the round, curved body. The hamburger sticker on the body stood out like a sore thumb. A muscular man with a tan complexion and dreadlocks climbed up onto the stage and got behind the drum kit, causing the stage to rattle again as he hit the cymbals. Ashley: “Oh, there’s another one?” They titled their head. Craig took to the centre of the stage, cupping the microphone in his fist. Craig: “G’day, we’re Nuklear Intoxikation! LET’S GET THIS SHOW STARTED!” He rasped and pumped his fist in the air. Andreas shredded on his guitar, and Makayla followed with her bass line. Blake’s eyes widened as the heavy distortion awakened a deep resonance within him, making him smile. Ashley smiled up at Blake. Craig: “Moonlight on the water’s surface!” He stomped around at the centre of the stage, rasping the vocals and pumping up the crowd. Craig: “Set sour to glower, break out from your tower!” Ashley stood there, wide-eyed. Blake: “Huh, I didn’t peg him to be the articulate type.” He hummed skeptically. Ashley: “Wait, is he singing about tarot fortune stuff?” They beamed. Blake: “Tarot fortune stuff, huh?” He swung his gaze up at Andreas as he played in the corner of the stage out of the spotlights. Ashley caught Makayla’s intense gaze on them as she strummed her bass guitar. Ashley felt the air spin around them and felt as though their heart pounded to the rhythm of her bass. The sensation travelled down to the pit of their stomach with a twang of hunger. Ashley: “...So hungry…” They droned in a trance and sauntered towards the cake, eyeing it with large pupils like a hungry cat. Ashley: “Mmm… cake…” They swiped the cake and took a delicate bite. Makayla smirked at them and chuckled. Blake turned to Ashley with confusion. Blake: “What are you doing, Ashley?” He gaped at them. Ashley: “Eating a cake, haha!” They chuckled and took another bite. Blake: “That’s too much cake!” He scolded them and took the plate from them. Ashley knit their eyebrows. Ashley: “No, my cake!” They droned, taking it back from him. Blake was taken aback. Blake: “What has gotten into you?!” He gaped at them. Ashley: “...Cake has gotten into me, haha!” They droned and laughed, poking their tummy. Makayla beamed at Ashley. Suddenly, Makayla’s trembling bass whirled into wild and obnoxious kazoo noises. Makayla: “W-What the hell?!” She groused, staring down at her bass guitar. Ashley snapped out of their daze, staring at the cake with confusion. Ashley: “Huh? What happened?” They put the cake down and scratched their head. Blake looked bewildered. Craig: “What the fuck, Makayla?!” He sneered in her direction. Suddenly, a huge fart ripped from Makayla’s bass guitar as she plucked the big E string. The crowd burst out laughing and turned their attention to Makayla as the band stopped playing. Makayla: “IT WASN’T ME!” She cried and plucked her bass guitar again, this time making a cow mooing noise. The next string played a pig-oinking sound. Andreas drew a long breath and scanned the crowd. Ashley heard familiar cackling and turned to see Madelyn sitting up in the oak tree by the fence, waving her glowing staff at Makayla’s bass guitar. Madelyn: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” She laughed with tears streaming down her cheeks. Ashley titled 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, stomping her feet in a rage as the stage began to creak and wobble. Andreas: “Makayla! Wait! Stop!” He waved his arms. Makayla: “NOTHING can stop me!” She snapped, stomping her feet. Blake’s eyes widened. Blake: “Oh fuck!” He gasped and instinctively grabbed Ashley’s arm, dragging them away from the stage and shielding them with his body. The rot had done its work. As the weight shifted, the cross-beams sheared away from the pillars. The stage underwent a cascading failure, the planks folding inward like a house of cards until nothing remained but a heap of kindling and twisted iron nails. The band screamed, the drum cymbals crashing and feedback distorting, as they collapsed to the ground. The crowd yelled with a mixture of panic and laughter, evacuating the party like a horde of wild animals. Madelyn, Nari, and Juniper peered over the fence with stunned faces. Nari: “Good job, Madelyn. Now we can get some quiet!” She smirked as Dalnim flocked to her, perched on her arm. Madelyn: “That was Makayla’s doing!” She laughed. Juniper: “Oh dear… I hope they aren’t hurt!” She cupped her mouth. Nari: “They brought this on themselves.” She shrugged and petted her raven. Ashley peered over Blake’s shoulder and knit their eyebrows at the sight of destruction. Ashley: “O-oh no, are you guys okay?!” They gasped and rushed over to the band. Makayla was flipped over with her ass hanging out, and Craig groaned at the centre of the piles of wood, twitching. Makayla: “H-Help me!” She cried. Madelyn laughed at Makayla. Ashley rushed to Makayla and helped her up. Ashley: “It’s okay! I got you!” They assured her, taking her hand. Makayla beamed at Ashley, squeezing their hand. Makayla: “Thank you…” She locked her gaze on them and eyed the tattoo on their thumb. Madelyn pulled a face. Blake stood over Craig and folded his arms across his chest, shaking his head at him. Blake: “I warned you, idiot!” He scolded him. Andreas groaned in pain from a distance, snapping his attention to him as he struggled under a heavy plank of wood. Blake rushed over to him, lifting the plank of wood off him. Blake: “Are you okay?” He knelt to Andreas to help him up. Andreas shook his head and winced in pain, clutching his leg as blood streamed down it. Blake’s eyes widened, and Ashley gasped and cupped their mouth. Craig shot up from the piles of wood, marching over to them. Craig: “A-Andreas?! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!” He rasped and glared at Blake, shoving him aside. Blake fell back and glared up at Craig. Blake: “Me?! YOU did this to him with your big dumb ego over your shitty carpentry!” He shot up and shoved him back. Ashley: “He needs healing, guys!” They cried. Juniper: “Oh, Nari can brew healing potions!” She blurted with a smile. Nari pouted. Nari: “I’m not helping them, Juniper!” She folded her arms across her chest. Juniper: “Oh, why not?” She gaped at her owlishly. Nari: “Because they have been a disturbance in the neighbourhood for eons. They brought this on themselves! You reap what you sow.” She shook her head. Andreas gazed up at her. Andreas: “So, you’re a hivernal-wielder who specializes in potions?” He asked her. Nari’s eyebrows rose. Nari: “How would you know that?” She turned to him with intrigue. Andreas stroked the white tip of his hair and turned to the moon. He summoned a deep purple staff with a marbled wooden texture and a clawed tip with a large purple jewel perched at the top of it. Andreas: “I specialize in psychic abilities. Perhaps we can make a deal with each other?” He offered. Ashley gaped at him. Ooh, another hivernal-wielder?! They thought. Blake’s eyes grew large at the sight of Andreas under the moonlight. Nari: “Perhaps…” She smiled and stroked her chin. Nari: “Alright, I will brew this potion for you on the condition that you shut down this foolish disturbance and that you do a psychic favour for me whenever I need it.” She nodded to him, holding her hand out to him. Andreas: “You have a binding deal.” He took her hand and shook it under the moonlight. They were then startled by the rummaging of wooden planks and turned to see the drummer, emerging from the wreckage. Drummer: “Fuck you guys, I quit!” He huffed, throwing his drumsticks across the yard, and stormed out. Andreas sighed and bowed his head.

The sun is associated with a radiant beam of light and the creator of life. But it was in the sunshine that Nikolai Sabatini faced his death. The sun cast down on the mountains where he had fallen off a cliff, breaking his bones. He lay helplessly amongst the sunflowers, facing the sun like some cruel twist of irony. He was a young man with a light tan complexion and deep, cerulean eyes that rivaled the sky. He wore his dark hair swooped over and was dressed in a grey suit. He heard bare footsteps approaching him as a hooded woman in white stood before him, looming over him with a warm smile. Her face was obscured by her cloak, which bore sun markings. She held a long white staff in her hand with a golden sun perched on top. Nikolai: “A-are you an angel?” He stammered with a thick Italian accent. Woman in white: “An angel?” She answered with a soft, feathery voice. Nikolai: “Am I dead?” He reiterated in a pained strain. Woman in white: “Not at all, you're a living being! Why would you say that?” She tilted her head. Nikolai: “I don't know if you noticed, but I'm dying…” He panted with shortened breaths and desperation in his tone. Woman in white: “Oh, don't worry about that! I can take your pain away.” She waved her staff in the sunlight, clutched the golden sunstone necklace around her neck, and gently placed her hand on his. She had a marking on the top of her hand resembling the sun, with eight points surrounding a circle with a dot at its centre. Nikolai’s eyes widened with curiosity and confusion. Beams of light reflected through the crystal and down onto him as his wound began to close up. Nikolai couldn't believe his eyes at what he saw and felt as the pain disappeared from his body. Nikolai: “...W-What did you do to me?! Who are you? …What are you?!” He patted himself down and sat up, gaping at her, awestruck. Woman in white: “Oh, my stars! My apologies! Allow me to introduce myself!” The woman unveiled her hood to reveal her full face. Her eyes were the first thing he noticed. They looked like golden pools of sunlight against her olive-tan complexion and had wing-tips resembling a cat’s eyes. Her long, platinum hair cascaded down her curvaceous figure with tufts of feathered pieces. Eleanora: “I am Eleanora Sengupta. The Sole-Wielder of light.” She beamed under the sun.