@thirdmonti.bsky.social

@thirdmonti.bsky.social

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🇨🇦 I Draw. I follow artists, some Also NSFW 🔞 (be warned) I also write and talk about my writing from time to time (more common) NO AI I ask questions when inspiration strikes me under these hashtags #ThisOne’sForTheWriters #ThisOne’sForTheArtists

Finally I broke the silence asking “why do you call me by my matrilineal name?” -“It’s a nice name that rings like a Wanderer name. U’Ruë-a,” he said the parts slowly, helping me understand the tri-division of the name. “Yours then is R’Ote-mmi,” I said slowly trying to get the tri-division. -“Close, it’s R’Otem-i,” he said. “Is there a significance to the tri-division?” -“It’s not easy to hear, but it’s much clearer when written; and in writing you can see that they are divided but connected. Much as Kaitani and Uruëa are two separate names but together they are you; R’, Otem, and -i are separate things, but together they are me.” “Do they signify anything separately?” -“‘R’’ is ‘first,’ ‘Otem’ is’ home,’ and ‘ -i’ in this context means ‘born’ and I was named that because I was the first child born when the generational ship reached Earth, our new home.” “So Aidden’s partner L’Ammen-a indicates what?” -“‘L’’ ‘second,’ ‘Amen,’ ‘ spark,’ ‘-a’ in context is ‘delicate.’ We have so many similar sounding end syllables that require the other two parts to be understood contextually, sometimes even a starting Syllable requires the middle to be understood correctly; in this case, her name means she was the second child of her parents, spark used as a cute way of calling a child after a small bit of electricity, and delicate is often a descriptor when the baby is smaller than the one that came before.”
Back at the house, Elatum was preparing food, getting ready to cook some, wanting to keep me included for lunch. It wasn’t the most flavourful food, but I appreciated it. I went directly to the bath after the little pleasantries. One of those other things I had to get used to, though I was told about ahead of time, the lack of running water. Having to get it myself was no big deal, but certainly unusual. Rather, outside my usual. A shower was practical, but the bath was a lot more calming. -“Don’t spend too long in there, the food will get cold,” Uruëa said. I opened an eye to see him standing at the doorway. “You’re just saying that so you could have a longer soak in the tub,” I puffed. -“Maybe, that doesn’t make what I said false, though.” “I’ll eat it at room temperature, then; shoo.” He left me to my soak. The lack of privacy for a bath was less jarring than the lack of running water. Or maybe I just wasn’t prudish. Whatever the case, it wasn’t Uruëa being rude, there was just no door to the room with the bathtub. And I was shown that it was like that in several houses. And the Inn had a public bathhouse. It was just not a private affair. Taking care of other bodily needs, however, was private, thankfully and was taken care of in a separate room. I bet Paradise and Macleod would love to chronicle this place and do comparisons to their Other Side. I myself was taking notes; all Fleet members were taught to record their experiences, but I expected they would be able to record the cultural aspects in a way I could not. Nevertheless, they would be the first to see my notes upon my return.
We arrived at the main entrance to the research site of Ancient Blue. The Gate Guard said “Mr. Azui, finally coming through the front door, are you?” “Oh, you know, I have to try some new things, once in a while,” Kai replied humorously. “What business do you have here, if not your usual shenanigans?” the Guard asked. “We were recently invited to Demeranda by my colleague,” Aidenn started, “she found ruins up north that appeared very similar to those here, so we would like to verify whether or not there is a connection.” “Do you have the paperwork to enter?” Aidenn handed the guard a sheet. I did not expect that to be legitimate. It can’t be, can it? “You’re clear to enter.” And we drove on in. “How did you do that?” “Joanna sent word ahead to Vanguard’s captain who contacted the consulate on Big Island while we were still flying home,” Aidenn replied, “after lunch, the permission sheet was already in the fax machine.” “Does Joanna know what you’re really planning?” “No.” Well, that didn’t bode well. “What’s the rush?” “Kai would like to establish relations between the Hariads and the Mnio to dispel a millennium’s worth of one sided bad blood,” Aidenn replied. “I will pretend that I understand,” I said. “That’ll probably ensure that you don’t get a headache.” Aidenn parked and we headed for the centre of the ruins where the large stone archway was. I suppose if there’s anything portal adjacent around here it would be an archway.
A Map from Kathryn Lasky’s Guardians of Ga’Hoole series Two page spread showing the Forest Kingdom of Tyto The St Aegolius Canyons The Shadow Forest The Beaks The Island of Holle in the Sea of Hoolemere The Ice Narrowd Northern kingdoms Other words are hidden by the bend
A sketch of some fictional islands in my setting The country of Sun-Drop
-“What happened here that wouldn’t make it a nice place?” Instead of answering I walked into the square, fighting every urge screaming at me, telling me to leave. R’Otem-i followed me. Maybe he perceived it, maybe he didn’t, but every step towards the lamp post felt like an extra ten kilograms were added to my feet. Nothing in me wanted to be here, but I was. And then we were there. Flashes of memory, the sight of blood on the stone, the sound of my voice echoing in the square. -“Uruëa, why are we at a lamp post?” I faced him, so his peculiar eyes could see the stinging tears in mine, “this is where I was whipped twenty times with a nine tailed whip,” I laboured to say through ragged breaths. -“Why are you doing this to yourself,” he asked in a low voice. There was no good reason to, and yet, R’Otem-i afforded me something not even the other Kais— spirits bless them, could: the physical presence of someone outside the inhabitants of Blue Island for me to tell. It was all well and good for Rox to acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past, and Elatum tried too, but most everyone here just went on as though nothing happened. They were free from the prince for a decade, they got to find comfort in each other, but I did not have that. I needed someone outside of this place to know and to tell me ‘things will get better’ or even ‘you’re not alone.’ And that wasn’t fair of me to do to R’Otem-i who had only met me the day before. I was being selfish, most definitely, but after what he did at the park for me, I couldn’t help myself from receiving more of what Blue called empathy. Guilt held onto me at my edges, I should never use anyone like this.
-“Stay here.” R’Otem-i went back into the park, striding up to Yo. I watched, trying to breathe properly as I seethed. Their exchange was brief, but R’Otem-i touched Yo’s shoulder, and then Yo fell to the ground convulsing. Part of me was mortified, but I also felt some satisfaction, and then guilt at my satisfaction. R’Otem-i knelt beside Taeiyo, briefly touched his chest and then returned to me quickly thereafter. “What did you do?” -“I shocked him; don’t worry, he’s breathing,” R’Otem-i said, “I made sure of it.” “Why?” I asked. -“That asshole’s been escaping punishment for too long, I think,” R’Otem-i said, confidently. I had no idea what an aszhol was but I expected it was something derogatory by his tone. “You didn’t…” -“Someone had to; you deserve some satisfaction if it’s the closest thing to closure you’ll get.” I wasn’t sure of that, but I didn’t feel like arguing. “Let me get you to the inn,” I said.
Incomplete Graphite sketch of my original character Maestus. Waist up ‘Layers’ visible The word WIP and my contracted handle 3M for Third_Monti beside Maestus’ legs
-“Hey, slow down Uruëa, what’s the rush?” I punched the wall in response once. Twice. A third time, and on until my knuckles bled. -“Kaitani, what did that guy do to you?” R’Otem-i asked. “What?” -“A Wanderer’s eyes are not just for show; you may have been rushing me but I saw you look his way and him turn away deliberately. What did he do to you?” R’Otem-i’s tone changed to seriousness. “I told you I was taën; when there was still a prince it was the taën’s duty to sentence an accused person with a punishment. The prince liked violence, but I did not want my ‘friend’ to be hurt, so I told the prince the punishment I chose and that I would take it by proxy.” -“Is that why your back is scarred?” “Yes,” I said through gritted teeth. “And after that, Taeiyo became afraid of the power I had as taën and didn’t want to see me again. He avoids me, avoids looking at me, and it enrages me still that someone I cared about so deeply left me like that after I did what I could to spare him.” -“You loved him, didn’t you?” R’Otem-i perceived correctly. And the question was more rhetorical than one that needed an answer, but I nodded affirmation regardless. I did love Taeiyo. I hadn’t ever had the chance to understand the feelings for what they were but I knew heart sickness and betrayal felt like a chasm in my being.
And, as was usual of our small island, events could be planned within as little as an hour since everyone knew everyone and communicated with each other. Before the Sun had reached its zenith, we were already being invited to a welcome home party for Kai to be held in the town square. Sometimes I thought the people here were insane in their efficiency. And then I realised I too was crazy, given I learned my efficiency from here. Kai would have said something about the rhythm of the island. But if that were the case, I would have changed up when I went to study on Coral Island. But then he might have said ‘the rhythm of Blue Island lives in you,’ or some strange thing like that. That said, his record for being right about things that seem impossible has been pretty on point in the recent past, so if there truly are rhythms that can be perceived, Kai would be the one to be able to feel them… or would that be hear them? Anyway, the festivities began and the townspeople were there to celebrate, whether there for Kai or not, the celebrating was primary. And celebrating we most certainly were, with music and refreshments, and– “Would you like to dance,” Maes asked me. “Wait, for real?” I had never known Maes to be a dancer. “Yeah.” “Since when do you dance?” I asked. “Since always, I just never had someone to dance with before.” He smiled, but I was too focused on his sparkling eyes. “Uhh… yeah, let’s go dance.” my internal giddiness, not completely hidden. Ever since Maes began courting me, I’ve felt much more excited and positive.
“Maybe it’s a phase,” my mom said. “It could be, he’s still a child; his interests may change,” my father said. *** “Given you keep a sword with you at all times, I assume it wasn’t a phase,” Kai-Ilen commented.
Pantone colour chart showing Cancer Sun: Moonlit Shell Aquarius Moon: Cool Circuit Virgo Rising: Clean Fern Cancer Venus: Pearl Blush
Kai (Flyboy) I considered myself incredibly lucky that for the past few days I was able to function on very little sleep. It wouldn’t last long, I knew, but from what I could tell, there was about a two hour time discrepancy between Blue and me, so I knew he was lying about his sunrise, but it did afford me a few more minutes of sleep before I had to wake. My Casca thought I was insane to be trying to do this at all, after all it was the majority of a fifth now, and when I said I’d be joining the other Kais again tonight, it was no surprise that– “You can’t be serious!” “Casca, please; there’s no need to shout,” I said calmly. “Of course there is!” he continued. “They might be sleepless, but you aren’t.” I opened my mouth to answer, but– “And don’t tell me you’ll be fine; six hours of sleep over seventy-four hours is not enough. How are you even standing?!” “Stimulants, honestly.” “That’s not safe,” he said more quietly, cupping my face in his hand… He had such a light touch for someone who could snap me in half. “I know, but tonight’s the last night.” At least for a while. Casca put his forehead to mine and whispered, “don’t endanger yourself needlessly.” “I promise, it’ll be the last night for a while.”
Eggplant flower in bloom
—“Pushing the button adds a toxin to the water to euthanize the fish humanely before it flushes. The small tank runs an automatic cleaning before filling with new water, ready to be used again.” “Would probably be less hassle to eat it,” I commented. The Lieutenant looked about to say something but refrained, leaving me to my station. I looked back at the little orange form swimming back and forth in the glass box and thought of pond and lake fish from Sun-Drop. Pink-whiskers were much too large. Blue chirps were a more manageable size. I stuck my hand in the water, catching the fish by the tail. It wiggled to try to get free. It could not. I recalled what I did to change the fruit and what I learned from the shade about changing living things and did my best. The golddfizh’s form changed but it remained orange. I clicked the red button and waited for the sequence to finish before fetching another one. My continued attempts at transmuting drew the attention of some of the officers. I was aware of them only in my periphery; my true focus remained on the fish, and much as I tried, the golddfizh never became fully blue as blue chirps. They always had some orange undertone to them. The Lieutenant who brought me to this station finally came up to me when I ate one of my specimens rather than flush it. I had gotten rather hungry by this point, I expected a side effect of magicking this way, but I couldn’t be certain. —“I told you to flush the observation container.” “I also did say it would be less of a hassle to eat it.” There was no rebuttal.
“Yes,” Kai replied, “they wanted me to let you know, you can schedule an appointment any time at all. The psychologists also wanted me to tell you that you can schedule any time with them too.” “Insane!” I exclaimed. “What about it?” “First tell me how long it usually takes between the scheduling of an appointment to the actual appointed date.” I needed to know more. “I mean, usually the next day if it’s an emergency, the same fifth if it’s not as severe,” Kai said, looking puzzled. “You’re all either very healthy people, or you have a fully functioning medical system,” I said. “Both,” Kai said. “Do human hospitals not function?”
Laetus My shift and Kai’s ended; our replacements for the mid-afternoon to night shift arrived, punctual as always. I appreciated that more than they knew. I also appreciated greatly the fact we had an employee locker room in the hotel. The uniform, though stylish, felt incredibly restraining after hours of standing in it. Moreover, at the end of my shift I got to change into my colours. It was a multi-beneficial. “What time should I come by this evening?” I asked Kai as I undid my uniform jacket’s buttons. “You’re not coming with me now?” he asked as he unbuttoned his own jacket. “well, I was considering going to the marina to wait for Au to arrive with their siblings,” I explained. “Oh, that makes sense,” he said, pulling off his uniform shoes, “I suppose it slipped my mind with how busy we’ve been today.” That was not unfair. Besides, he had a party to think about as well as the travel happening the next morning. I removed my work kilt; burgundy may have been my brother’s colour, but it wasn’t mine. I put my own on, with the pale green base and the orange and purple striping. In truth, me and Kai wore some of the boldest colours on the island. Sure we each had a few kilts, but we definitely had our favourites, and Kai’s was yellow base, with blue and red striping... the only person with bolder colours than mine.
In my frustration on the twenty-fifth, I summoned my polearm, unintentionally, and redirected the discharge back somehow as R’Otem-i said “Ooh, that was tingly.” In an amused way. And then “Also, you can summon a halberd?!” The word was foreign but as I summoned my polearm, I stated simply “yes.” I walked over to where I left my clothing and put the weapon there. I returned to my spot on the far end. —-“Are you sure you want to keep going!?” “I must!” Though I failed twenty-five times, I had been learning. I must have anticipated the electricity correctly as I was able to redirect it, so I was confident I could make this work. “Again!” R’Otem-i, graceful as ever, moved like a wave, and then the crash… the crash? but instead I held a golddfizh, flopping in my hand. “I did it!” I exclaimed.
—-“Here we are, safe discharge room!” R’Otem-i said enthusiastically. “Discharge?” I raised an eyebrow in confusion. —-“Oh, you probably don’t know; but listen, Uruëa, all Wanderers are able to produce electricity, it’s a function of our biology,” they said. I had learned about electricity from Kai, he explained it was what made the metal machines function. “We’re taught at a young age how to keep our electricity in check, especially since heightened emotion can make it build to a stronger discharge, but we can also discharge at will. But, in a state of heightened emotion, having a discharge room is a safe way to release without hurting anyone.” “I see,” I said. This Midshipman did communicate in all too many words, somewhat like Kai. —-“And, since you wanted to practice transforming energy into matter, I will discharge some electricity at you to practice.” They smiled. Also very Kai-like. Not the white the spots, though, which cut a striking contrast to the obsidian-like reflectiveness of the rest of the Midshipman. “So, get to the other side of the room, it should give you some reaction time, and I will send some very light discharges your way; wouldn’t want to kill a magician by accident.” They said as they removed their jacket. “Should I be removing my clothing?” I asked. —-“If you don’t want your nice vest to be singed or drenched with sweat, yes.” I did remove my waistcoat and shirt, feeling altogether underdressed. R’Otem-i told me where to stand at the far end, positioning me in a ‘ready stance.’ They stood completely opposite me and called out “ready!” So I did the same and watched them move gracefully, quickly, and without noticing it I felt a sharp tingle and a numbness at my extremities. —-“I thought you said you were ready!”
Pencil crayon coloured bust A quick concept of my character R’Otem-i
“Things go well, and you’re displeased,” she said humorously. “Honestly, kind of… but I’ll take the win and go to my quarters to unwind.
Rabid stickman meme
—“Are you a civilian auditor?” “No, I’m conducting research,” I said, “I need a lab radz.” —“We don’t have any rats, but we do have goldfish, if that works for you.” “That word, golddfizh, is it formed by two separate words?” I asked. —“Yes, gold and fish, why?” Practicing on an aquatic species did make sense. “No word equivalent to golddfizh in Sun-Drop,” I replied. “They will work for my research needs.”
Dough after second rise
Dough after some rising
Sweet & Sour. Why would anyone want that? Spicy. No, not this time. Cheese... How am I supposed to choose?! I don’t even know what cheese tastes like or if it pairs with shrimp! “You’ve been staring at the cracker selection for some time; are you alright, Varius?” the store clerk asked. “Yes, I’m just trying to decide which variety to bring to a party,” I replied absentmindedly. “Between you and me, they mostly taste the same.” “They do to us, but not to mammals,” I said. “Oh, so it’s a fancy party, is it?” “No, Striata, just help me out here; what is the best seller for the mammals on this island?” “The Jum Jum,” Striata replied. “That’s a lot of green,” I commented I picked up a bag to read that it was, ostensibly, sweet and savoury, which at the very least meant aquatics, other than my brother, might get some flavour off of these, if they fell into the small savoury range we could detect. I took several bags of the Jum Jum crackers for the party, I only needed one for myself, no reason not to try it in advance.
“What do you do for work?” he asked. “I don’t really have an occupation,” I replied. “What do you do for fun?” he asked, while transferring something from the pot to a bowl. “I read, I listen to music or radio shows... I also spend time with the Third Lady Smaragdus,” I said. “Your stepmother, right?” he asked. “I–” “No such word exists in Sun-Drop,” a pink haired aquatic said while entering the kitchen. “I’ve done it again, haven’t I?” Aidenn chuckled. “Yes, Mr. Finger Food,” the pink haired one replied, “hi, I’m Kai. Welcome to my home. If you need anything, let me know.” “Hello, I’m Alba. I’m Aurantium’s half-sister.” “Nice to meet you,” Kai said. “Okay, so you have terms for half siblings but not stepparents?” “They’re either accepted as a parent or referred to as ‘my parent’s new mate,” Kai said. “That seems kind of cold,” Aidenn said. “I don’t make my Island’s culture, I just live by it.”
“I’ll buzz you in.” They would be up shortly, so in the meantime, “Solar, Wings I’m going to need you to both be quiet for a little while.” Well, excuse me! Wings exclaimed dramatically. I’ll keep him quiet. Solar confirmed. I appreciated that. Soon thereafter a little knock at the door. I took a deep breath, this may hurt. I barely opened before Maestus jumped to hug me. “I’m so glad you’re alright!” I was not expecting that. When he let me go, Rhina took me by the shoulders and shook me. “Don’t have us worry like that again.” “I’ll try not to,” I said through being shaken. “Don’t try; do,” she said, having put me down. There was no conceivable way for me to keep to that, given I was unable to see the future, but it struck me that they were probably this sensitive to it since I had been in a near death accident.
“You should be more polite to our guest,” another voice said, booming, “it isn’t every day we get visitors here.”
The toxin can sometimes be found even in the most common foods, including carrots, parsley, limes, and lemons, as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in the case of a man who manually squeezed a dozen limes and then inadvertently exposed his hand directly to the sunlight without precaution, triggering a severe phytophotodermatitis for several months.[11] The identified culprit was the prolonged exposure of both his hands to lime juice followed by that of sunlight UV.[11]
Laetus To say I had misgivings about visiting Aidden with Kai was an understatement. And yet I couldn’t stop myself from being excited. The alternating between anxious excitement and anxious worry could probably give me emotional whiplash. Coming to the door of their apartment in New Wave felt like a dream and nightmare come true. Could I even get a hold of myself? Kai rang the doorbell. By the Abyss! What am I doing here?! It opened and it wasn’t Aidden? “Hi Kai.” “Hi, L’Amen-a; let me introduce you to Laetus, Maes’ younger brother.” “I definitely see the family resemblance,” L’Ammen-a said. I almost missed it having become transfixed by her unique eyes. “Well, come in, Aidenn’s in the kitchen preparing the food.” “Probably coming up with some new elaborate thing, no doubt,” Kai commented. “Not this time; he’s doing fish and seafood. He didn’t want to overwhelm Laetus overly much.” He was thinking about me; oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!! “That’s very thoughtful of him,” Kai said, “isn’t it?” I blinked for a bit realising Kai had addressed me, “yes, absolutely.” Was I already making a fool of myself? Possibly, however, “does Aidden need any help?”
“Let’s get to it, then.” We got undressed and ran into the water, splashing like children. Frolicking, as my brother liked to describe it. And in short order I tipped over and began the bone crunching transformation. Pain for fun was the price of this, no matter how many times I tried, it never got easier, even though it had really only been a few days. Thankfully it didn’t occur while showering; small miracles do happen. It didn’t seem to happen any faster the more I did it; the transformation took as long as it needed. But there I was, pain subsiding and a wide eyed Laets staring at me, mouth agape. “You’ll catch no fish that way.” Kai giggled. “Why didn’t you lead with this, ikkin?!” Laets asked. “It’s painful, ikka,” I stated flatly. He stared at me for a while before asking “how painful?” “Bone shattering,” I continued being blunt. On second thought, maybe I am more resilient than before, given I didn’t cry out in pain, but only marginally more resilient. “Let’s stop lazing about, there’s swimming to do.” So off we went.
That was that. My tasks accomplished, I returned to my flowers. Every now and then I became tempted enough to create some from nothing. But I remembered how that would impact the suppliers of my flowers, so I only ever produced them at home to keep the house always in a state of floral beauty. That was enough for me… that and playing in Kai’s garden, but he loved that we could garden together. During one of his visits, Aidenn mentioned the house increasingly appeared like a habitation of the fairies, which then led him to have to explain what fairies were since no such term exists in Sun-Drop, and he explained how they tended to be depicted in natural scapes surrounded by flora. And that led me to thinking how much mischief me and Kai could get up to together; we fit some fairy criteria. Perhaps we are. I chuckled to myself.
Kai Five One would think a fifth would be enough time to think about an offer made by extra-universal beings, but I had four days remaining to me and I still had no answer. Furthermore, Casca was giving me the silent treatment. He told me everything he wanted to say that night after I told the other Kais to leave me; he tried to convince me that any downside wouldn’t outweigh the good, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that joining this tiny club of Kais was not worth the trouble. My life was… well, not fine, my country was at war with the mainland power of Bryzia. I clenched my fists at the thought of their name. They were the source of much of the suffering that we endured. For that alone, I could see Casca’s side of things, but the possibility of becoming a flaming supernova destroying everything and everyone I love was not worth the possibility of becoming a one man army… and even if I were to become a one man army, how would being such a deadly force affect me? Not that I wasn’t deadly already as a mech pilot, but if I ripped through people with my bare hands, a possibility with enhanced strength and toughness, would I still be me when I emerged on the other side? Would I be able to live with myself? That was a question I found myself asking on a regular basis even without the dangled prospect of more power. Once the war ended, would I be able to look myself in the mirror and be good with the man staring back at me?
“Who are you calling?” Aidenn shushed me. “Maestus, it’s Aidenn, I’m borrowing Kai’s phone.” “Yes, I know how late it is.” “Look, ya boy needs to get off this island and go home for a bit; do you have a way of making it happen?” “I knew you’d be able to do it. Thank you, Maestus.” “What did you just do?” I asked, surprised. “Maestus will arrange a way for us to get off Big Island for a little while so you can visit Home,” Aidenn said with a big smile. His teeth were so unpointy. “We can’t do–” I began to protest. “We must, for your health and wellbeing,” Aidenn said. “We’ll be breaking the conditions set forth–” I started. “We’ll be fine,” Aidenn said confidently. “I almost believe you,” I said. “We’re part of the way there, then.” What was I being talked into? More accurately, what were the possible consequences if we were found out? Even when your Anxiety’s quiet, you manage to worry. Wings said. How are you even doing that? I had no idea. “Kai, look at me,” Aidenn started, “we’ll be fine.” I wonder.
A sketch of a bust of @sayaashrah.bsky.social ‘s character Ashrah
I did as I was bid and fetched my clothes, and he did carry me out of my room. He held onto me and carried me all the way to the sports complex across campus too, drawing the eyes of several people to us. Once in the gym he put me through his routine, weights appropriately lowered for my strength level, and he said nothing about anything to do with my funk until we were done. “How do you feel?” he asked. “Awful,” I said without hesitation, “but marginally better.” “Sometimes, moving heavy things really does help get out the negativity.” “I may need to be here far longer than an hour.” “I have nowhere else to be, but your body wouldn’t be too happy tomorrow,” he said, “and with your unhappy brain, it might not be a good idea to have both mind and body unhappy.” “I suppose not,” I said.
“So, while L’Amen-a and I were in the decontamination chamber, she says ‘hi’ by the way–” “Tell her I say ‘hello’ back,” I interjected. “Will do, but back to decon; we were given some reading material, news on current events, and I learned that Mars is suddenly supporting life.” “Mars is your side’s fourth planet, if I remember correctly.” “You are remembering correctly,” Aidenn confirmed. I was glad to know my memory wasn’t so bad either. “It was, until recently, a dead planet.” “Recently, as in ‘up until Kai lit the sky?’” I assumed. “You’re putting it together quickly,” Aidenn confirmed again, “I’m curious to know if there’s been anything interesting going on with the third planet in your star system.” “I’m not an astronomer, but I can look into it for you.” “Thanks Maes, I owe you one.” “Now go enjoy your family time.” “Will do.” That presented an interesting diversion for my otherwise dull and frustrating day. I didn’t know anyone working for an astronomical agency. But Felix worked in government, maybe she would have the number of someone in her contact list. Aidenn didn’t know, but he didn’t owe me anything. Giving me this mystery to contemplate already brightened my mood. So I made the call. “You’ve reached Felix at the New Wave Department of Housing, how may I help you today?” “Hi Fe, it’s Maes,” I said. “The question still stands, ikkun.” “Do you have any contacts who work for the government in astronomy?”
A full body watercolour painting of my Main Character Kai Azui (Blue) luminescing blue. He is wearing a yellow kilt with blue and red striping, his sporran is grey and brown with blue tassels. My signature is in red at the bottom of the page
Kai “Good grief!” I cried as the crushing weight of despair brought me to my hands and knees. One quick glimpse was all I had before I was completely prostrate. “Dammit!” “That isn’t me, bub?” my Despair said. “I know,” I croaked out, “but it might as well be.” I turned my head as much as I could; the beast atop me was my own Despair, a spectator to my current predicament. “Tell me what you see!” I demanded. “Well, we’re in a dimly lit corridor with red lights flashing and an alarm blaring,” Despair said matter-of-factly. And as he did, the sound of alarms hit my ears and the nauseating evenly timed red flashing came into focus. “What else?!” I snapped. “A beastly fellow has its claws in your legs, preventing your rising; the Despair of this place.” I hated that Despair was so calm– “–but mine is not to be emotive, rather, mine is to take everything away from you, hope especially.” Exactly. But this wasn’t the first time despair reared its ugly head, sorry; I survived my last encounter and I would this time too. I’d be damned if I’d let someone else’s keep me down!