Gearstone Market

@დ Kang Daesung Wooseok observed his master in silent wonder, unsure of the exact purpose behind the meticulous examination. He followed Daesung’s movements with his optics, analyzing each touch and calculated action. It was almost amusing, almost, until the man reached for his pants. There was no immediate sense of alarm, no perceived malice, yet an unconscious reaction rippled through Wooseok’s frame. Something ingrained, something from a life he couldn’t recall, told him this wasn’t a typical place to be inspected so openly. His body stiffened instinctively, though he made no move to resist. It was only when Daesung abruptly froze, recognition dawning across his face, that Wooseok truly registered the situation. The man’s hasty retreat, the sheepish wave of his hand if anything, it amused Wooseok more than it unsettled him.

When the carriage rolled to a stop, Wooseok turned his gaze toward the window, scanning the busy streets outside. Gearstone Market? His optics adjusted to the changing light as he stepped out after Daesung, his metal feet landing with a solid thud against the cobblestone. He took in the bustling scene, the chatter of merchants, the scent of oil and metal mingling with street food, the rhythmic clanking of gears and pulleys overhead. “What are we doing here?” he finally asked, stepping beside his master. His tone was neutral, but curiosity flickered beneath. His presence here was unexpected. “If you needed to pick up parts for the shop, I could have done it alone.” It wasn’t unusual for Daesung to send him out on errands, to collect whatever pieces were needed for their work. But this time was different. His master had come along, and Wooseok wasn’t sure why.

His optics flickered slightly as he turned his head, recalling Daesung’s earlier behavior in the carriage. He didn’t mention it, but the thought lingered. Perhaps they weren't here to pick up simple parts at all.

[] No worries at all. Thank you for still rping with me <3

@⥈Yoon Bora ¥ Sora smirked at Bora’s retort, low and sultry like a promise half-whispered in the dark. Oh, sweetheart, if only you knew. The moment the mermaid’s fingers clamped around hers—tight, desperate, burning with unsaid things—Sora made her move. Quick. Decisive.
The market was a living beast, a tangle of bodies and noise, all eyes drawn to the gilded carriage rolling through the square. Some noble parading their wealth, oblivious to the filth beneath their wheels. Perfect.

With a single, fluid motion, Sora slid a dagger from her sleeve—smaller than the one Bora clutched, but sharper. She didn’t cut. No, she was far more patient than that. Instead, her fingers danced over the rusted iron links at Bora’s wrists, undoing just enough that with the right pull, she’d be free.
Sora pressed a finger to her lips. Follow me.

She wove through the crowd, her grip firm yet guiding, her body moving like a shadow. Bora kept up, though Sora could feel the weight of suspicion clinging to her. Good. Suspicion meant she was still fighting.
But then—the prickle at the back of her neck.
Something—someone—was watching.
Sora stiffened, her instincts coiling tight like a wire about to snap. Her pulse remained steady, but her smirk sharpened as she turned slightly, lips brushing near Bora’s ear.

“You feel that?” she murmured, voice laced with something dangerous. “That’s not just your fear, sweetheart. That’s a hunter.”

And for the first time, she wasn’t sure if it was after Bora—or her.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ The storm had finally settled. A rare moment of calm stretched over South Central Isle, the air thick with petrichor and the lingering charge of dissipated lightning. Daesung lingered on the threshold, savoring the contrast—the sharp bite of cool morning air against the lingering warmth of his workshop.
Sunlight cut through the mist, turning rain-slicked cobblestones into scattered gold. He smiled, an almost boyish delight crinkling his eyes as he waved down a stagecoach. The mechanical horses snorted steam as the driver tipped his hat.

Daesung gestured for Wooseok to enter first, following close behind, his notebook already in hand before the door clicked shut. The moment they lurched forward, he was scribbling, flipping pages, muttering silent calculations through tight lips. Gears, wiring, plating—where to begin? The repairs weren’t an issue. The issue was that he didn’t know a damn thing about cyborg mechanics.
His pen scratched against paper. He tapped the page, then, without preamble, seized Wooseok’s wrist. Turning the palm over, he inspected the joints, eyes gleaming with scientific fascination. His fingers trailed over the seams of Wooseok’s forearm, pressing lightly at different points, as if expecting a hidden panel to pop open.

Nothing.

Daesung hummed, undeterred. Next, the back of the neck—where most automaton power cores were housed. His thumb traced the nape, searching for serial numbers or etched runes. He didn’t find any, but Wooseok’s faint twitch amused him.
That led him to the next logical step—the inseam of the pants.
Daesung barely noticed Wooseok’s sudden rigidity as he tugged at the fabric, checking for anything—a manufacturer’s label, an inscription, a clue. He had the same fervor as a child inspecting a new toy, wholly engrossed in the puzzle before him.
Then he realized what he was doing.

He froze.

Slowly, he lifted his head to meet Wooseok’s unreadable expression. Daesung blinked. Then, carefully, he withdrew his hands and raised them in an apologetic wave, a sheepish smile creeping onto his face.
A beat. Then another.
Daesung cleared his throat—a soundless thing—and busied himself adjusting his cuffs as if he hadn’t just been an inch away from undressing his traveling companion in the name of science. He scrawled quickly into his notebook and turned it toward Wooseok.

Manufacturer? Model number? Preferred repair sequence?
Anything to move past what had just transpired.
The stagecoach driver’s voice cut through the thick air. “Gearstone Market! All passengers disembarkin’!”
Daesung snapped his notebook shut and straightened in his seat, feigning composure. But as he stepped onto the cobblestones of the bustling market, his mind churned. No markings. No identifiers. No history.
Wooseok was a mystery wrapped in metal. And Daesung couldn’t resist a good mystery.

[thank you for patience as always, hope you don't mind if we move them along here.]

@♅ Jennie Kim Despite his doubts, Wooseok could only accept her words. His systems had already cleared her of any detectable anomalies, and logically, there was nothing to contradict her claims. Yet, her earnest insistence, the way she held onto his arms, as if grounding him to her truth, stirred something unfamiliar in his processing core. Her assurance quieted the lingering uncertainty in his mind, if only for now. He observed her intently as she paused, closed her eyes, and dipped her head, engaging in what appeared to be… prayer? Wooseok furrowed his brows, his internal diagnostics momentarily shifting to analyze her behavior. Was she seeking external guidance? Who or what was she asking? Before he could dwell too deeply on the matter, she finally spoke again, her voice gentle yet resolute. “I’m Jennie… I’m your friend.”

Wooseok blinked, the statement catching him off guard. “Friend?” he echoed. Was she? He was not equipped to determine sincerity in human interactions, nor was he designed to understand the complexities of relationships yet. He could only trust what he knew and saw. And so far, Jennie had shown no signs of deception or ill intent. Genuine… that was the word his system settled on to describe her demeanor.

Although, as a cyborg, he wasn’t designed to fully comprehend the nuances of friendship, his interactions with other species since waking up suggested otherwise. He may not categorize the connections he had formed as friendships in the way organic beings did, but in reality, he was building relationships nonetheless. The concept still felt foreign to him, yet he found himself not entirely opposed to it.

“If you say so, Jenjen.” The nickname left his lips before he could reconsider. It was something he had learned from his first friend in Heleo, Yunho, a human wizard, told him that if someone considers you their friend, you should have a nickname for them. That was the logic behind it. And so, he applied it here. Satisfied with that, Wooseok released her, stepping back to retrieve his sack before resuming his path. His optics flickered briefly toward her as she followed, curiosity still lingering in the recesses of his mind.

“Are you really going to come back with me to my master?” he inquired. After all, this was his directive, his purpose. But she? She had chosen to walk with him, without coercion or command. Did she have business with his master, or was she simply here… for him?

@☾ Sora Choi￥✔ Bora’s gaze darted nervously around the market, fear of being heard. She did not wince nor stepped back, but inched her nose closer. The grin on the woman’s face causing the mermaid to a brow. Sora’s scent that of the woods, fresh or was it her confidence that’s striking.

“Can you really?” Bora whispered, titling her head not to cause ruckus or to alarm the fairy with her. Her nails changing from black to crimson. She reached behind her, clutching the dagger in her possession. If the stranger was like the wolf escaped alone and leaving that stupid dagger, can she really place her life in Sora’s hands?

Questions flooded her mind, her orbs longing for a hint of worth. Who is this woman? What’s her name? Why is she doing this? Is she worse than The Madame and her platoon of s? All valid. All logical. Her heart racing as she listened to Sora mumble about understanding her situation. The woman sos sure as if she’s been in hell. Bora closed her eyes for a moment, groaning a little trying to argue with her own judgement.

“Are you buying or not?” The fresh voice of a frustrated slave echoed. From her peripheral, the fairy standing nearby, threatening to push the stranger away with a stick.

“Hush!” Bora yelled. Her chest rising and falling. “Just mind your business.”

“You cannot. She’ll devour you.” The fairy backed away, lowering her head in fear. Bora took another minute to scan their surrounding, any minute her captors will be patrolling the area.

She clasped Sora’s hand, gripping tightly not wanting to lose boldness and falling on her knees. “Then make haste.” She clenched her jaw, meeting the stranger’s eyes. “And sweetheart? Oh, how you wished, darling.”

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ When he turned to look at her, her eyebrows raised slightly, as if to widened her already wide expression. He was scanning her, trying to calculate, was all she could imagine, before the two words popped from his artificial lips. “You’re peculiar,” Jennie blinked, before releasing a warm giggle, raising a hand over . She could sense that she made no sense, so she didn’t want to alarm his systems further and tried to hush her voice, but she couldn’t help to laugh a little. He was so proper…and yet so thoughtful and slightly comedic with his choice of words… “Thank you Wooseok” she complimented the compliment (or at least she took it that way), eyes moving forward so as she wouldn’t hit anything in their path, but she felt his heavy shelling stop moving, and looked back at him as she took one step out of their synchronous rhythm as she checked his expression again.

But he asked again simply if she was well. “Yes Wooseok, I am well,” she looked down at his hands which gently held her arms, eyes moving over her frame. She didn’t resist, as she let him do what he needed to do to check for injuries, knowing he wouldn’t find anything. Her smile raised and her cheeks tingled from how joyous this all was. ‘He’s still got his humanity,’ so it could be ruled out that he was the sole factor of whatever explosion kept haunting her nightmares. It must mean the black smoke was the actual force… but she didn’t know how metaphorical the prophecy went in terms of direction…she never really knew…

When he asked if he had wronged her in some way, her smiley expression morphed into that of actual concern, her heart hurting at the words. “No Wooseok, no,” she reached up to rest her hands onto the cyborg’s arms which still held her, stepping forward so as to bring his attention to her face as her brows furrowed slightly. “No, you haven’t wronged me.” She promised him with every single cell of sincereity she had, searching his flashing orbs for his soul, hoping to calm him. He hasn’t hurt her. He would never do that…of his own will. She was positive.

Then he rolled his next question, which stunned her a bit more than it should’ve. “I’m Jennie…” she spoke like a child who had been misheard and her parents asked her to speak up. Like she didn’t know what else to say….because truly she knew so little. She knew her name was Jennie (or Aurora) but on Heleo, it was Jennie. That’s what she had been told by her fellow celestials. She was an angel. The Eye was her master, and it would lead everyone to salvation and peace… that’s all she had. “I’m…” her voice trailed off as she attempted to think if there was possibly more that The Eye could tell her to give Wooseok less to worry about…but even as she closed her eyes to pray and ask…nothing. She waited a minute with her eyes shut and head bowed in prayer, respectfully… not a peep. She pulled her lids back and made eye contact with the very puzzled being before her. “I’m Jennie…I’m your friend.” The words finally came around, and her smile was gentler , but appeared all the same, hoping the cyborg would except her answer at full value.

@♅ Jennie Kim Wooseok hummed in acknowledgment when the female fell into step beside him. His stride remained steady and precise, following the familiar path back to his master’s workshop. There were no distractions this time, no need to pause, yet curiously, he found himself unconsciously matching his pace to hers. It was unnecessary, but it felt… proper. To walk ahead of her seemed almost impolite, though he couldn’t articulate why.

When she thanked him, he turned his head slightly, his optics adjusting, scanning her face again. There was something about the way she spoke, the sincerity in her tone, that left him perplexed. He had done nothing of note. He was nothing more than wires, circuits, and pre programmed functions, so why would she be grateful for his company? “You’re peculiar.” he remarked.

He turned his head back forward, but her presence still weighed on his processors. She had been erratic earlier, her flight unstable and so perhaps she was unwell? A second check was warranted. “Are you sure you are well?” he asked again, this time halting in his steps. The question wasn’t just idle curiosity anymore but it was a concern driven by logical analysis. Before she could answer, Wooseok set his sack down with careful precision. Then, without hesitation, he reached forward and grasped her arms, his touch gentle but firm, as if to steady her. His internal systems ran a diagnostic scan, tracing over her form in search of abnormalities. He found nothing, just as before. No physical wounds, no system alerts, nothing that explained her peculiar energy. His brows furrowed as his processors ran another set of probabilities, one of which led him to ask, “Have I wronged you in some way?”

If she was here for him, if she knew him, but he could not recall her, then perhaps she was someone from his past or maybe even someone he had failed or harmed. He searched her face, his glowing optics reflecting her expression back at her. "Who are you really?"

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ When his brow lifted, Jennie wanted to sing. He was adorable in all his mannerisms up close. If only she could read his thoughts… no matter though as he seemed to see she was no threat to him. Jennie nodded along to the nearly monotonous tone of his voice giving her a response as to her previous question. But before she could open to ask, he had already interjected with a “Are you coming?” ‘Wooseok!’ She gleefully praised him inside herself, as her grin burst to her lips and she quickly moved her feet to step in pace with the Cyborg before he could continue forward.

“Yes please,” she clapped once, a little over zelous on the tone of the situation, but she had little reason to care. He was doing fine! He was a good hearted creature. He wouldn’t do anyone harm in this moment…his sympathy and empathy were intact. The underlaying question was what would happen that would change his mind… well, Jennie was gonna find out and protect him, and any one else, from it.

“Thank you,” she noted quickly as they walked. It couldn’t have been in his plans for her to join him directly on the way to his owner’s… “I appreciate your company,” she looked up toward the cyborgs face, wondering what he would say next. Probably something real nice.

@♅ Jennie Kim Wooseok’s brow lifted slightly, a programmed reaction meant to express mild confusion. His optics whirred, scanning the other's face, searching for a reason why and how she knew him. He found nothing in his memory banks that connected them, yet she spoke with such familiarity, as if their paths had long since intertwined.

He noted the strange shift in her demeanor by the way her expression bloomed into something bright, the way her body language jittered with barely restrained excitement. It puzzled him. He had encountered many beings in his time, but not angels. Not until now. And if they were all like this one, he would need a new set of protocols to understand them. And when she insisted she was fine, Wooseok simply nodded, accepting her answer at face value. She showed no visible signs of injury, and though he wasn’t entirely convinced of her stability, he saw no reason to press further. Adjusting the sack slung over his shoulder, he loosened his grip, realizing belatedly that he had been holding it too tightly, a strain unnecessary for function.

“I’m going back to my master’s shop.” he said, voice even as he turned slightly, stepping forward once more. But something made him glance over his shoulder. He paused for a beat before asking, “Are you coming?” He wasn’t sure why he extended the offer. He had no logical reason to assume she would, but he had already spent more time than necessary lingering in distraction. If she wished to follow, he would not stop her.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ "You know me?" was the first thing he said. The angel's smile grew brighter as she nodded her head in an reassuring manner. "Of course I know you," she stated, checking over the male's artificially glowing orbs as his gears and trinkets moved at various paces along with his actions. 'Fascinating,' she watched in wonder at the beauty of such machinery. She wanted to reach up and touch it...but also knew that wouldn't be proper.

She tilted her head to the side, knowing full well that Wooseok would not know of her. But that was alright, because she could just introduce herself. "I'm Jennie." she said her Heleo name, hands unlacing behind her. When the cyborg prompted that she may not be alright, the angels face opened up completely in shock. He was concerned...he was concerned!!! Her jaw dropped in paise as her apples-for-cheeks rosed and it took everything in her not to jump for joy, so her feet started to twitch while she maintained everything else about her. "I'm great." she nearly gushed, closing her slacked jaw and shaking her head to more equally dispense the red back into white on her face, breaking eye contact momentarily to catch a breather (internally) before making eye contact again.

"So Wooseok. Where are you going?" she was trying to be smooth, attempting the daily friend-to-friend conversation (even though she knew full well where he was going).

@♅ Jennie Kim Wooseok’s optics tracked the angel’s descent in silence, his mechanical gaze analyzing every controlled movement as she landed before him. For a brief moment, surprise flickered across his face when she called him by name. His brows furrowed slightly as he searched his memory banks, scanning through stored data, cross referencing known figures, locations, and past encounters.

Nothing. No traces of her existed in his system.

“You know me?” he asked, confusion laced in his otherwise steady voice. His fingers flexed at his sides, adjusting slightly as if trying to process the anomaly before him. Still, he answered her question without hesitation. “I’m quite alright.” he stated simply, his tone even and neutral. But then, his mind replayed the way she had been flying earlier, erratic and distressed. That hadn’t been normal. “And you?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, curiosity threading through his words. Unlike his usual calculated inquiries, this one carried a trace of something genuine.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ Jennie rubbed her ears, the sounds of machinery echoing in the chambers of her skull as her gaze turned distant. Gosh she didn’t like when the voices and the noises were so sharp. She breathed out forcefully, trying to bring herself back to the present…

What helped was a sharp poke on her leg too. She looked down, not seeing anything in particular there, but then spotted Wooseok, the cyborg she had been seeing in her dreams for days, staring right back up at her. It took her an extra couple seconds to realize that it was in fact her cover that had been blown, and that he knew she was there, and this in fact wasn’t a vision, but the present moment.

“Oh,” her wings steadied their rythme in the air, as her distressed face turned back into a warm, healthy color and demeanor, a smile peaking at her lips. ‘I guess it’s time we meet’ she thought, retracting her wings slightly so as to dip down from the sky towards the ground, seemingly falling though in complete control, as her wings puffed out to catch air in its full expansion meters before her bare feet touched the ground.

With the landing, she tucked her wings into her back and walked forward from the buildings alley , to the Cyborg who stayed observing her. She laced her hands behind her warmly looked slightly up toward the mechanical man. “Hi Wooseok,” she waved gently, “How are you today friend?” She greeted like they had known each other all their lives.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ Jennie rubbed her ears, the sounds of machinery echoing in the chambers of her skull as her gaze turned distant. Gosh she didn’t like when the voices and the noises were so sharp. She breathed out forcefully, trying to bring herself back to the present…

What helped was a sharp poke on her leg too. She looked down, not seeing anything in particular there, but then spotted Wooseok, the cyborg she had been seeing in her dreams for days, staring right back up at her. It took her an extra couple seconds to realize that it was in fact her cover that had been blown, and that he knew she was there, and this in fact wasn’t a vision, but the present moment.

“Oh,” her wings steadied their rythme in the air, as her distressed face turned back into a warm, healthy color and demeanor, a smile peaking at her lips. ‘I guess it’s time we meet’ she thought, retracting her wings slightly so as to dip down from the sky towards the ground, seemingly falling though in complete control, as her wings puffed out to catch air in its full expansion meters before her bare feet touched the ground.

With the landing, she tucked her wings into her back and walked forward from the buildings alley , to the Cyborg who stayed observing her. She laced her hands behind her warmly looked slightly up toward the mechanical man. “Hi Wooseok,” she waved gently, “How are you today friend?” She greeted like they had known each other all their lives.

@♅ Jennie Kim As Wooseok continued his walk, a sudden shift in the light caught his attention. A shadow passed overhead, moving in erratic, uneven patterns. Instinctively, he looked up, his optics adjusting against the harsh glare of the sun. At first, the figure above was a blur, its form distorted by the radiance, but after a few fine calibrations, the image sharpened. "An angel?"

His systems registered the wings, the delicate structure of the figure, and the telltale glow of something… otherworldly. Yet, something was off. The way it moved was frantic, unsteady, unlike the effortless grace he had expected. It seemed distressed. Wooseok’s optics flickered, scanning the surrounding area for any immediate threats, but there were none. No visible danger. No cause for alarm. Just the angel, hovering uneasily against the backdrop of the sky.

He tilted his head slightly, an old human habit he had never quite abandoned, trying to decipher what was wrong. She was too far up for him to call out, and his voice, no matter how modulated, would likely be swallowed by the sounds of the city.

After a moment’s pause, he bent down, picking up a small pebble from the ground. With precise calculations, he flicked it upward, not with the force to harm, but just enough to breach the space between them, to make her notice. And then, he waited. Silent. Observing. Wondering what an angel so high above could possibly be afraid of.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ The angel watched over the machined man as he moved, tapping her skull gently but purposefully against het finger pads. What else was near? Who else had she been watching. ‘Ugh, think Jennie, think…’ her eyes squinted as she tried to go through the archives of her memories like a book…but there were scribbles all over the pages. She exhaled heavily, palms to her eyes as it hurt to retrace. She hadn’t slept well the night before (or really any night from what she could remember being on Heleo) which just makes everything that much easier to remember…

But when she looked back around the corner of the Chimney, Wooseok had stopped again. Her expression opened along with her wings untucking themselves, as she couldn’t see what the cyborg was seeing. ‘What is it?’ She wanted to say allowed, but she knew the Eye could at least hear her. She scooted across the shingled roof, over to the neighboring chimney in the complex, this one tall enough to where Jennie didn’t have to kneel to hide (she could actually stand straight) as she rested her hands on the sides of the chute and tried to angle her eyes to catch whatever Wooseok had been looking at…but he was already walking away.

The angel didn’t want to lose him, but she waited for his frame to past before spotting the tiny flower in the industrialized ground. Her smile grew as that was such a lovely sign. ‘Thank you,’ she praised the Eye in her head, closing her eyes momentarily out of respect. And just as she was about to open her eyes, she heard the explosion.

It blasted right into her eardrum, and she jumped off the roof in her fright, wings spreading as she became airborne, the sun casting her shadow onto the building, Her head frantically searched around for the signs of damage... but there was none. Everything was calm… there were no screams or shouts or fire, Her heart pounded, and she raised her right hand over her sternum in attempts to soothe it. ‘What was that…’ she closed her eyes to try and recall the direction the noise came from, but saw Wooseok’s face right in front of hers, staring her down, no soul behind his eyes, his head a wall of black smoke. And he breathed the smoke into her lungs as he reached for her-

“Ah!” she quickly flapped her wings to push her back and create space, holding up her hands to shield her temple,..but when she opened her eyes to see, there was no one. It was just the sky and her, with the view of all the buildings around them…


((She’s seeing flashed of Wooseok’s attack at the Central Parade/Festival btw , not to confuse you ::: she has precognitive abilities ))

@♅ Jennie Kim [] come join in~ hahaha

Wooseok glanced up at the sky, his optics adjusting to the fading sunlight as it spilled across the horizon. The warmth of the setting sun briefly softened the cold metallic sheen of his form. He decided it was time to head back to the workshop. Moving down the familiar path, he kept close to the walls of the buildings, careful not to disrupt the busy flow of the market.

As he walked, he stopped abruptly, his attention drawn to a single flower growing by the side of the road. It was strange to find such beauty in this place, so out of place among the stone and dust. His sensors briefly analyzed the plant, but it was the resilience it represented that captured him. He bent down, his mechanical fingers gently brushing over the petals, careful not to damage its fragile form. It was tempting to pluck it, to take something so beautiful with him, but Wooseok stopped himself. Instead, he gave the flower a gentle tap, as if offering a silent acknowledgment of its survival, its quiet strength in the face of harsh conditions.

After a moment, he straightened up, hoisting the bag of parts over his shoulder again. His optics flickered forward, focusing on the path ahead. He resumed walking, the brief moment of stillness and wonder now fading behind him. His mind, though quiet for the moment, slowly returned to a steady rhythm of purpose.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ (( hope you don’t mind I jump in :) ))

On top of a nearby building, across from the setting sun peaking at the horizon line, Jennie knelt and watched over her friend (Wooseok) as he stopped mid task and observed a little boy and girl. While she considered everyone as a friend, it was no consequence that Wooseok was walking in the path of these two younglings.

‘Perfect,’ she praised the little boy and girl whom she had been watching for years at this point, as it was Jennie who suggested this very spot for him to confess his admiration towards his peer with a flower. It was such a sweet sight - young love in its most innocent of forms… but the cyborg was more what she was interested in. She couldn’t read this thoughts, as they were woven with machinery, but she knew it would stir him to think for himself… something the cranks and wheels couldn’t teach him.

The angel rested her chin in her hand as the cyborg returned to his original stature, eyes following him as she wondered if she should press harder into his memories today. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him and his circuits…

As he moved, she stood herself and let her wings spread, looking at the distance between her and the next building top. It wasn’t too bad, and nothing a little feathered support couldn’t manage.

So, gracefully her wings flapped once, lifting her feet off the ground, as the wind helped push her forward, over the meters between the two roofs, onto the shingled next one, where she tucked herself and her wings behind a chimney. She peaked around the corner and continued to observe, tracing back in her mind who else she could send at this time of day in front of the cyborg…

@⥈Yoon Bora ¥ The bell’s echo fractured the market’s din, ringing like a prophecy. Sora barely flinched. Instead, she exhaled slow, a wicked curve gracing her lips as she leaned closer to Bora, close enough for the scent of sea brine and something faintly sweet—vanilla and salt— to mix between them. “That’s the sound of fate losing its patience, sweetheart.”

Bora’s fingers curled against the wooden table, wary. Sora clocked it with amusement. “Can I get you out?” she echoed, voice honeyed with mischief. “The better question is—do you want out?” A pause. A flicker of something sharp in those tired eyes.

Sora tilted her head, a gloved hand slipping from her jacket pocket. The leather creaked as she flexed her fingers, just enough for the dim lantern light to catch the faint, jagged mark carved into her wrist— the kind only slaves wore. But her posture? The glint in her gaze? Nothing about her screamed captive. She was something else entirely.

“I know what it’s like, waiting for rescue that never comes.” Sora’s voice dipped lower, seductive in its certainty. “But power isn’t about chains, pretty thing. It’s about who holds the keys.”

A shadow passed over them—a hooded figure lingering a second too long before vanishing into the crowd. Sora’s expression didn’t waver, but the air between them shifted, thick with unspoken danger.

She tapped two fingers against Bora’s shackles. “I don’t break chains.” Her smile sharpened. “I trade ‘em for something better.” She stepped back, holding out a gloved hand. “Question is—how brave are you feeling tonight?”

The bell tolled again.

@☾ Sora Choi￥✔ The reek of fish guts and brine hung heavy in the air, a revolting perfume that clung to everything in the market. For Bora, it was a daily suffering. She was once of higher status, and now chained to a pole, hawking buckets of wriggling bait to the land dwellers. The dagger was of no use. The man who left it during the voyage surely do not know of magic chains. Maybe if she took his offer of escape then she won’t be in this predicament. She touched her lips and realised how parched she is. The woman in need of water, and only that of sea. “It is always the same.” She thought as she swats away the flies wandering all over the stinking baits.

The usual noise punctuated by a laughter – voice teasing with a hint of sweetness. It was a woman that stood close by with her leather jacket, looking both sharp and deceptive. Bora gave her a once over, ready to sell but the woman opened and said, “Escape’s a sweet thought...that’s not happening...”

Bora scoffed, turning her sight towards the fairy but was soon met with a bid to run. Her brow raised unsure of the woman’s motive. She leaned forward, hands gripping the edge of the wooden table. “Can you really get me out?” She asked. The bell rang in a peal.

“What was that about?” Bora snapped a look at the fairy, who was also as confused as her. The stranger stood still, dumbfounded or surely frightened. Bora tilted her head. She reached over and touched the woman’s arm. “Are you alright?”

@⥈Yoon Bora ¥ The heat of the sun bore down on Gearstone Market, casting long, sharp shadows against the cobblestones as steam rose from the airships overhead. The rhythmic hiss of mechanical carts and the mingling chatter of vendors filled the air. At the edge of the trading post, where the scent of sizzling street food mingled with the metallic tang of fresh-forged gadgets, Sora Choi lingered in the crowd, her sharp eyes scanning the bustling chaos.

Her stance was relaxed, but her senses were razor-sharp, the playful grin on her face never quite reaching her eyes. The energy here was palpable—an undercurrent of secrets, lies, and desperate hopes. She adjusted the collar of her worn leather jacket, eyeing a particular stall, where a chain-bound merfolk woman stood, clearly uncomfortable, her skin flushed from the heat.

Sora’s lips curled into a smile, almost too sweet, as she made her way through the crowd, her movements swift and smooth. She slipped through the maze of people, her wolf-like senses locking onto the mermaid’s distress, but there was something more, something off about her demeanor. The flash of a blade hidden in her dress caught Sora’s attention just before the mermaid released a cry of frustration.

A chuckle escaped Sora’s lips as she leaned casually against a nearby stall. "Careful, darling, you wouldn’t want to hurt yourself," she purred, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. She watched as the merfolk woman flinched, startled by her sudden presence.

Sora’s eyes glinted mischievously. "Escape’s a sweet thought, I’ll give you that. But we both know that’s not happening, sweetheart. Not unless someone’s willing to pay the price." She let the words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of knowledge. "Care to test the waters with me?"
Sora's grin widened, her gaze lingering on the bruised, bound limbs. Just as the mermaid opened to speak, a shadow flickered across the market square, unnoticed by everyone but Sora.

Before she could react, the unmistakable sound of a distant bell echoed—signaling a new buyer in the market. It was a sound that sent a chill through Sora’s spine, her instincts screaming. A buyer... but not just any buyer.

[open to anyone]

The sun is unforgiving at the peak of its time. However this did not stop the bustling streets of the Trading Post. People from different parts of Heleo gathered everyday to sell, buy and even trade their goods. Business is booming that a lot of merchants are all smiles and thanks. This is the place where Bora was paraded earlier that morning, neck and limbs bound with chains, and kept in a place away from any body of water. Her lips chapped from being days out of water. She keeps wiping off the sweat on her forehead, wearing a blue silk dress that was made to hide her bruises.


“Land folk sticks.” She spat those words that earned a nudge from the fairy slave who was also chained next to her. “Stop that. She’ll lock you up again.” The fairy said, eyes stern but filled with concern.

“Stop that.” Bora mimicked the woman and sits back on her station. She grabbed the blade she is hiding in her dress and started shove it inside the keyhole. A moment later, a loud cry escaped her lips when the metal tightened around her ankle like a determined snake. “Fine. Fine. I am not to escape.” She shouted in panic when the metal tear a bit of her skin.

“When will you ever learn?” The fairy paused from making flower bracelets and clicked her tongue. “Tsk. I told you, those are enchanted. Unless someone buys you, you won’t escape the Madame’s plans. So you better make a sale today or we’re both going to starve tonight.”

Bora did not turn to the fairy and stared at her reddened leg. She clenched her jaw since what had become of her prestige, her family and her own people. “No one buys these baits anyway.” She grumbled.

[ OPEN - no need to mirror :') ]

The cobblestone streets buzzed softly with life, a tapestry of people going about their daily routines, yet Wooseok moved through it all as an outsider. The bag of mechanical parts slung over his shoulder clinked faintly with each step, his gaze sweeping across the scene with the detached precision of his optics. He was on his way back to the workshop, a simple errand, when something unexpected caught his attention.

Ahead, a young boy stood nervously under the shade of a tree, clutching a single stem of a delicate flower. His hands trembled slightly, and his face flushed with color as a young girl approached. Wooseok slowed his pace, his curiosity piqued. The boy held out the flower awkwardly, his words barely audible from where Wooseok stood. The girl blinked, clearly startled, and before she could respond, the boy turned and bolted down the street, his face crimson with embarrassment. Left behind, the girl stared after him, then broke into a soft, shy giggle. Her fingers curled protectively around the flower as she walked away, her expression glowing with quiet joy.

Wooseok froze for a moment, watching the fleeting scene unfold. Something in stirred a faint echo of familiarity, like a half remembered dream. 'Did I ever do something like that?' The thought whispered through him, unbidden. Had there been a time when he felt the sharp thrill of youthful affection, the vulnerability of offering something so small yet meaningful? He searched his data banks for answers, but they were silent. His programming was clear, to serve, protect, execute commands efficiently. Yet the ache in his chest, which was more phantom than real was not something his programming could explain. It was humanity buried deep, a part of him too far removed to access yet stubborn enough to linger.

His optics dimmed briefly as he processed the question that followed.'Would I ever experience something like that again? Could I?' He knew the answer before the thought even completed. It wasn’t a matter of will, but rather, it was a matter of impossibility. The wires and circuits that animated him could not replicate the fragile, fleeting complexities of human emotion.

Still, the yearning lingered, bittersweet and soft. Wooseok allowed himself a faint, wistful smile, though no one was there to see it. The smile faded quickly as he adjusted the weight of the bag on his shoulder, the faint clinking grounding him back to the present.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hajun's hand kept sewing as his gaze stayed on the younger kit, watching him as he stood there. He kept his playful and smirked smile while he sat there. He chuckled as he watched the other's tails swish in different patterns - which was cute. He was excited and almost a bit proud that the kit was being a bit more bold and going out on his own - doing something himself for a change. Hajun's gaze lowered as he watched your hand trace along his collarbone, up his jawline - and couldn't help himself to playfully nip at the other's finger and then felt him boop his nose. He tilted his head to the side as he couldn't help but let out a small laugh at his comment of being fun-sized. "Oh - fun-sized? Fun-size is always fun. I haven't really had fun in a long time," Hajun asked as he chuckled to himself. He set what he as working on in his lap, stopping his hand sewing as the other asked him out to meet him at the wild boar inn. Hajun nodded. "Alright, I'm game - I'll meet you there," He answered with a nod.

@⚜ Wi Hajun I could feel it. For four years, I’ve been employed at the Foxhole, and for eight years, I’ve been trapped in servitude. However, at this moment, I’ve never felt so terrified and foolish. What was it? Were the butterflies in my stomach the reason? The shameless beads of sweat ran down my temple and neck. Was it your voice that effortlessly pierced through my well-crafted excuse and left me defenseless? When I realized I was taking too long to answer cooled my express reached my hand to my neck swishing my tails into mindless patterns before I spoke up. I smiled, revealing the tips of my canines, eager to accept your bold challenge. As I move my gaze slowly upward, I trace my finger along your collarbone, and jawline, and playfully boop your nose. “I like to think of myself as fun-size.”

“Okay, I’ve never been to the wild boar inn before. A coworker of mine recommended it a while back. Shall we say to the night before the ninth hour?”

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hajun kept his eyes on Hyo-jong as he worked, watching the other move along in the carriage move on. He wasn't surprised that the other seemed like he was holding himself in or not to have that puppy dog look on his face that flashed across for a few seconds when his cheeks flushed earlier. His hands paused for a moment as he heard teh other speak again to him. "Oh, I think you should replace that to when do you want to see me again?" Hajun corrected him as he tapped his chin. "I do have a room in the inn for the moment until I get my own place - or you can catch me at a tavern or pub," He looked at him. Hajun couldn't help but let out a small laugh as the choice of words and the other's actions as it was like they were in high school or two awkward kids. Hajun hummed as he pondered his answer, clicking his tongue a bit as he made the other wait a few moments before he answered. "I wouldn't turn down the offer to be with you in a less formal setting or even, gosh, do I dare say it - on a date? Is that what you are skating around, Lil'kit?" Hajun couldn't help but or have a bit of fun with him. It was nice - he hadn't been able to have this type of interaction where he was before - or even picture he would be around real people again.

@⚜ Wi Hajun I felt a flicker of amusement, but I made an effort to stay calm and fall victim to your flirtatious teasing. I set my face in a determined manner, as I did in The Foxhole. An old habit became my shield against social anxiety. A hint of a smile touched the corner of my lips once you agree to hand to deliver the garments. I had no doubts of your skill nor work ethic. The Fox crafters, known for their strong work ethic and pride, excelled in upholding our traditions and skills. As the pulley carts and carriage hoofs faded away on the cobblestone, my attention stayed fixated on you. I thought it was the sound of hooves, not the irritating thud in my chest. I only became aware of the loud drumming of my heart when you unabashedly displayed your fangs with a smile. Just a tad lengthier than my own. I began to inquire about the quantity of tails you possessed, but I decided against it to avoid seeming impolite. Surprised by the sudden surge of confidence when I promptly replied, “And what if I wanted to see you again?”

I asked you while keeping my hands in my trouser pockets and shifting my gaze upwards. “What say you, if I wanted to see you again in a less? I took a moment to deliberate on my words. “Formal setting?”

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hajun studied him from where he was sitting, not being about the gather what was in the other's head. His hands didn't stop working as the other began to speak again. Hajun nodded as he the other stated that it would be best for him to deliver the garments directly back to his master's home. "Why does it sound like you just want me to come to see you again?" Hajun teased the other with a short chuckle. "But in all seriousness - that is best I agree to meet your master and have him inspect the clothing. Of course, there will be no problems - I've been doing this all my life," Hajun held back to grumble and mention that he was the one that taught the famous shrine maiden all she knew - and she was blooming in business. His lip curled up in a smirk exposing a fox fang and a couple of other sharper teeth than the norm for their kind. "If I get bored then I might search for your little spark," Hajun stated as he could tell that the other was thunder kitsune - not fire-based like himself. For now, thought he needed to focus on this and selling a bit more while the market was still active.

@⚜ Wi Hajun Given the change in the communication style, I briefly wondered if the tailor had any interest in me too. Somehow I managed to curb my impulse to further investigate knowing my advances would be deemed unprofessional given my current status. I didn’t dwell on the disappointment when you brought up returning the package. “If possible it would be best if you deliver them directly to the lord Sovereign Castle in Lioncourt. Perhaps you can meet my master and win his favor.” I praised the ingeniousness of my mind quickly coming to a legitimized reason to see you again. Not being able to fraternize with you, it’d still be pleasant to have someone of my own kind, even if you were half-blooded. I appreciate your kindness and the service you provided. If you need me, I’ll be hanging out at the town square for a bit.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hajun glanced down at him, watching his face flush and watching him scan around to keep his eyes off of him. It was cute - it had been some time that someone actted liked this around him. It was nice to know after years of being buried down six feet under he still had it. "Alright then - but know the offer is always up," Hajun told him as he took the note from the other that had his measurements of his master. He nodded again as he looked over the robes. "These are pretty easy to tailor and mend - should take about a few days to get done. Where should I bring them to return them - or should I send them out for you to come to retrieve them?" Hajun asked him as he held the robes close to him. "Also if you need anything fixed then let me know," He added hearing the part about being generously rewarded. "I hope that I can meet those expectations that have been placed on me," Hajun moved to sit back down, setting the robes in his trunk for safekeeping. He picked up the first one, some need and thread, and then started to mend the robe. "I'll be here all day - so you can hang about or go on to other errands that you might have - I'll just be here selling my stuff and working on the robes that you brought me," Hajun nodded to him.

@⚜ Wi Hajun While my cheeks were flooded with heat, I couldn’t help but gawk like a damn idiot. I was distracted. Extremely distracted. a calming breath, I finally caught myself. I uncomfortably scratched the back of my head, ignoring the possibility of there being a darker shade of pink tinting my cheeks as I attempted to look elsewhere. “I um, no that won’t be necessary. “An audible swallow helped clear my throat as I reached for the note in my back pocket craft by my master. “Here are the measurements and these items are traditional Victorian Vampirian robs for the upcoming Blood Moons festival.” Dipping my hand into the cart, I reached over, selecting the clothing in need of mending. In gratitude for offering your craft to aid my Sovereign, you will be generously rewarded.