They have only just met. So why is it Stardust's heart cracks at that last statement? It serves as a reminder that no dream can last. Everyone will eventually wake up and leave her behind again.
"That would be nice." She manages to say. "There are so many more things I could show you. The sky is just the beginning."
Whether this is a plea for her to stay or an invitation to return, in either case, her efforts are futile. Stardust cannot decide to keep someone or pull them back. That is the will of The Void.
"That would be nice." She manages to say. "There are so many more things I could show you. The sky is just the beginning."
Whether this is a plea for her to stay or an invitation to return, in either case, her efforts are futile. Stardust cannot decide to keep someone or pull them back. That is the will of The Void.
Kaminari smiled and approached Stardust, giving them a hug. She felt that morning was approaching and should wake up, the dream would end and this with it, her time in the void. "I will never forget this meeting and experince, thank you, Stardust."
Stardust is alone again. The vision of the vast blue sky fades, and once more the Void returns. The endless cool darkness. The blinking stars that will never be reached. Floating along, Stardust leans back, arms out.
Kaminari's hug lingers. Warmth-- real warmth, not just artificial, is still there in the spots the mermaid had touched. The skin underneath her fur has prickled in subtle goose skin. Like the blue sky from before, this too shall all fade away.
What is the worst part of being in The Void? The loneliness? The emptiness? The total lack of sensations? Stardust thinks it is the waiting that tortures her most.
Who will come next? Will anyone come next? That is always a potential. It raises fear in her that she must swiftly quell.
She must have hope another will come.
Kaminari's hug lingers. Warmth-- real warmth, not just artificial, is still there in the spots the mermaid had touched. The skin underneath her fur has prickled in subtle goose skin. Like the blue sky from before, this too shall all fade away.
What is the worst part of being in The Void? The loneliness? The emptiness? The total lack of sensations? Stardust thinks it is the waiting that tortures her most.
Who will come next? Will anyone come next? That is always a potential. It raises fear in her that she must swiftly quell.
She must have hope another will come.
Chie sat slumped against the wall of the dojo, her eyes half-lidded and heavy. Her usual fiery energy had been drained after hours of intense martial arts practice, combined with the overwhelming amount of studying she had been cramming into her evening. Every muscle in her body ached, the soreness deep and persistent from the countless punches and kicks she had thrown throughout the day. She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead, brushing away the sweat that had collected, but it only served to remind her how exhausted she was. Her textbooks were scattered on the floor beside her, a few stray pages half-turned, a testament to her attempts at balancing both her physical training and academic responsibilities.
With a sigh, Chie let her head drop back against the cool wall. Her eyelids fluttered closed for just a moment. Just a minute, she told herself, trying to convince her tired body that she could rest for just a brief second before continuing. But as the silence in the dojo enveloped her, her muscles released their tension, and her mind began to drift away.
Within moments, Chie was sound asleep, her breathing steady and even. Her face softened, a rare peaceful expression taking over the usual intensity she wore. Her hands, which had been tightly gripping her textbook earlier, now rested at her sides, her body finally surrendering to the exhaustion she’d been fighting off for hours.
......
....
..
Chie groggily opened her eyes, her head pounding, and for a moment, she thought she’d just woken up after a long night of intense training. But something felt off. Her vision swam as she sat up, blinking furiously as she tried to make sense of the strange surroundings.
Wait a second... Where am I?
She rubbed her eyes, but when she opened them again, there was no dojo, no familiar surroundings. Just an endless, oppressive blackness surrounding her. No floor beneath her feet, no walls to push against, no clear direction to go.
"What the heck..." Chie muttered, her voice echoing in the emptiness. Her heart began to race, and she took in a shaky breath. Panic tried to rise in her chest, but she quickly shoved it down. She was Chie Satonaka, after all. She didn’t let fear take control. She couldn’t.
She jumped to her feet, her muscles sore from hours of training, and stood tall, fists clenching instinctively. "Alright, this isn’t funny anymore!" she called out to the void, her voice carrying a little louder than before.
"Where the heck is this place?!"
But no response came. Of course. It was just empty. It was as if she were all alone in the universe.
"Okay, okay," she said, trying to steady herself. "This is just some weird dream, right?"
She didn’t know how, but she refused to let herself fall into panic. Stay calm. Chie always had her back, no matter what. Whether it was a crazy situation with her friends or a tough training session, she could handle it. This would be no different.
"Helloooo? Someone else here?" Her hands balled into fists, and she focused on her breathing. No matter what, she wasn’t going to let this weird place get the best of her.
With a sigh, Chie let her head drop back against the cool wall. Her eyelids fluttered closed for just a moment. Just a minute, she told herself, trying to convince her tired body that she could rest for just a brief second before continuing. But as the silence in the dojo enveloped her, her muscles released their tension, and her mind began to drift away.
Within moments, Chie was sound asleep, her breathing steady and even. Her face softened, a rare peaceful expression taking over the usual intensity she wore. Her hands, which had been tightly gripping her textbook earlier, now rested at her sides, her body finally surrendering to the exhaustion she’d been fighting off for hours.
......
....
..
Chie groggily opened her eyes, her head pounding, and for a moment, she thought she’d just woken up after a long night of intense training. But something felt off. Her vision swam as she sat up, blinking furiously as she tried to make sense of the strange surroundings.
Wait a second... Where am I?
She rubbed her eyes, but when she opened them again, there was no dojo, no familiar surroundings. Just an endless, oppressive blackness surrounding her. No floor beneath her feet, no walls to push against, no clear direction to go.
"What the heck..." Chie muttered, her voice echoing in the emptiness. Her heart began to race, and she took in a shaky breath. Panic tried to rise in her chest, but she quickly shoved it down. She was Chie Satonaka, after all. She didn’t let fear take control. She couldn’t.
She jumped to her feet, her muscles sore from hours of training, and stood tall, fists clenching instinctively. "Alright, this isn’t funny anymore!" she called out to the void, her voice carrying a little louder than before.
"Where the heck is this place?!"
But no response came. Of course. It was just empty. It was as if she were all alone in the universe.
"Okay, okay," she said, trying to steady herself. "This is just some weird dream, right?"
She didn’t know how, but she refused to let herself fall into panic. Stay calm. Chie always had her back, no matter what. Whether it was a crazy situation with her friends or a tough training session, she could handle it. This would be no different.
"Helloooo? Someone else here?" Her hands balled into fists, and she focused on her breathing. No matter what, she wasn’t going to let this weird place get the best of her.
Time had passed. Who knows how much. During these long stretches of loneliness, Stardust sleeps. Even if she's not fully asleep, it's something akin to it. Her mind drifts until she's falling down another black hole. Then another, and another. Put after pit after pit, none of them bottomless, just attached. A deep, droning spiral that somehow serves to keep her calm.
And empty.
An unusual sound disrupts this meditation. Her eyes snap open. The sight before her is black with blinking stars, not unlike what she had been diving into before. How does she know this is The Void and not just the void in her mind?
Another sound-- a voice. Stardust sits up to get a better look around. Color is easy to spot here, especially when it is so vivid as the ones this person is presenting. The bright green of the girls jacket is difficult to miss.
Stardust wastes no time in introducing herself. The girl seems uneasy as it is. It works be rude to make her wait any longer. With her usual ease and aura of comfort, Stardust slips into view.
"Hello there. Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you alright?"
And empty.
An unusual sound disrupts this meditation. Her eyes snap open. The sight before her is black with blinking stars, not unlike what she had been diving into before. How does she know this is The Void and not just the void in her mind?
Another sound-- a voice. Stardust sits up to get a better look around. Color is easy to spot here, especially when it is so vivid as the ones this person is presenting. The bright green of the girls jacket is difficult to miss.
Stardust wastes no time in introducing herself. The girl seems uneasy as it is. It works be rude to make her wait any longer. With her usual ease and aura of comfort, Stardust slips into view.
"Hello there. Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you alright?"
Chie’s eyes widen as she takes in Stardust’s towering figure, her jaw dropping for a moment before she snaps it shut. This creature was so tall! Really tall!
“Whoa, okay, okay, you really do stand out!" Chie snapped, though there’s a hint of awe in her voice as she eyes the imposing figure in front of her. She's used to meeting some pretty unique characters, but this is on a whole new level. Chie narrows her eyes a bit, tilting her head as she watches Stardust slip into view. She's always ready for a new challenge, but something about the way this girl carries herself has her intrigued. She’s not gonna let that unease show—nope, not on her watch!
Chie scratches the back of her head, realizing she might've gone a bit overboard in her excitement and curiosity. Her usual bravado falters for just a moment, and she flashes a sheepish grin.
“Ah, shoot… Sorry if I disturbed the, uh, void or whatever’s going on around here!” She raises both hands, a little apologetically, as if she’s not entirely sure how to act around something as mysterious as Stardust. “I didn’t mean to step on any toes--or, uh, any space-time continuums or whatever’s going on here!”
She laughs nervously, but there’s still a bit of that confident spark in her eyes. "I just got a little carried away, y’know? But hey, I’m here now, so if there's something you need, I can totally help out! My name is Chie!"
Chie gives a quick thumbs up, always ready to make amends with a little humor, even in the face of the unknown. "But let me ask you something! Is this real? Or dreams? Or something in between?"
“Whoa, okay, okay, you really do stand out!" Chie snapped, though there’s a hint of awe in her voice as she eyes the imposing figure in front of her. She's used to meeting some pretty unique characters, but this is on a whole new level. Chie narrows her eyes a bit, tilting her head as she watches Stardust slip into view. She's always ready for a new challenge, but something about the way this girl carries herself has her intrigued. She’s not gonna let that unease show—nope, not on her watch!
Chie scratches the back of her head, realizing she might've gone a bit overboard in her excitement and curiosity. Her usual bravado falters for just a moment, and she flashes a sheepish grin.
“Ah, shoot… Sorry if I disturbed the, uh, void or whatever’s going on around here!” She raises both hands, a little apologetically, as if she’s not entirely sure how to act around something as mysterious as Stardust. “I didn’t mean to step on any toes--or, uh, any space-time continuums or whatever’s going on here!”
She laughs nervously, but there’s still a bit of that confident spark in her eyes. "I just got a little carried away, y’know? But hey, I’m here now, so if there's something you need, I can totally help out! My name is Chie!"
Chie gives a quick thumbs up, always ready to make amends with a little humor, even in the face of the unknown. "But let me ask you something! Is this real? Or dreams? Or something in between?"
Reactions like this are common. Letting the girl get it all out of her system, Stardust merely watches with a motherly sort of amusement. She resists replying with, Am I tall, or are you short? Only because at this point, that joke has gone a little stale.
"First, it is a pleasure to have you here, Chie." Stardust greets with a small bow. "You may call me Stardust. Welcome to The Void! How clever you are to pick up on that when you've only just arrived. Though I suppose it isn't exactly hard to figure out, is it?"
A gentle hand reaches out as though to poke Chie on the nose. The claw never makes contact, instead drawing back right before, simply pretending to tap her. Testing a person is a necessary evil in order to build a good relation, but boundaries don't need to be broken to do so. Whatever reaction Chie has to that alone will show Stardust exactly what she's comfortable with.
Although, it was less a test, and more that she finds the girl cute. Such positive but cheeky mannerisms are quite endearing. It's a bit of a struggle to not dote.
"This place is... well, none of those things. Ha! Confusing, isn't it? The Void is... certainly a place. It's physical. It exists... somewhere. But it's not reality. It is not a dream either, though from your perspective it may be." After how long Stardust has been here, it never gets any easier explaining just what The Void is.
"Speaking of dreaming... how did you arrive? Is it because you fell asleep wherever it is you've come from?"
"First, it is a pleasure to have you here, Chie." Stardust greets with a small bow. "You may call me Stardust. Welcome to The Void! How clever you are to pick up on that when you've only just arrived. Though I suppose it isn't exactly hard to figure out, is it?"
A gentle hand reaches out as though to poke Chie on the nose. The claw never makes contact, instead drawing back right before, simply pretending to tap her. Testing a person is a necessary evil in order to build a good relation, but boundaries don't need to be broken to do so. Whatever reaction Chie has to that alone will show Stardust exactly what she's comfortable with.
Although, it was less a test, and more that she finds the girl cute. Such positive but cheeky mannerisms are quite endearing. It's a bit of a struggle to not dote.
"This place is... well, none of those things. Ha! Confusing, isn't it? The Void is... certainly a place. It's physical. It exists... somewhere. But it's not reality. It is not a dream either, though from your perspective it may be." After how long Stardust has been here, it never gets any easier explaining just what The Void is.
"Speaking of dreaming... how did you arrive? Is it because you fell asleep wherever it is you've come from?"
Chie flinches back slightly as the clawed hand gets close, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Whoa! h-hey!" she stammers, a bit flustered but not entirely alarmed. As Stardust stops just short of her nose, she blinks, a nervous chuckle escaping her. "You were pretending? Geez, give a girl a little warning next time! I thought I was about to get booped by a claw." She exhales a short laugh, her expression softening into an awkward grin. "But, uh... I get it, I guess? You’re just being playful. Just don’t sneak up on me like that too much, okay? I’m kinda jumpy sometimes!"
As Stardust begins explaining The Void, Chie’s head tilts, her brows knitting together in a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Wait, wait, hold up!" she interrupts, her hand raised slightly. "So, this place... it’s real but not real-real? Like, it’s not a dream, but it’s also not reality? Ugh, my head’s already spinning." She groans, throwing her hands up dramatically before resting them on her hips. "Y’know, I’ve dealt with a lot of weird stuff, like, seriously weird stuff, but this? This is on a whole other level." Her eyes dart around the space, her mouth slightly agape as if still trying to wrap her head around it. "It’s like the Midnight Channel but cranked up to eleven. Guess I should’ve known I wasn’t done with crazy places."
When Stardust asks about her arrival, Chie scratches the back of her neck, her expression growing a bit sheepish. "Uh... well, funny you should ask," she starts, her tone tinged with embarrassment. "I was kind of dozing off. I’d just finished a crazy training session, and I was lying on the dojo floor, totally wiped out. I was thinking about how Yukiko would probably scold me for not cleaning up first." She snickers, shaking her head fondly. "Next thing I know, bam! I’m here. Like, out of nowhere. No warning, no nothing."
Her eyes narrow slightly as she looks back at Stardust, her hands tightening into fists. "So, if this isn’t a dream, then I guess I got pulled into another dimension or something? Wouldn’t be the first time, but still..." She exhales, her grin returning, though there’s a determined spark in her eyes now. "Guess I’ll have to stay on my toes. So... uh, Stardust, if this place is as strange as it sounds, you got any tips for sticking around and, uh, not getting into trouble? ‘Cause I’ve got a feeling I’m gonna need ‘em!"
"Whoa! h-hey!" she stammers, a bit flustered but not entirely alarmed. As Stardust stops just short of her nose, she blinks, a nervous chuckle escaping her. "You were pretending? Geez, give a girl a little warning next time! I thought I was about to get booped by a claw." She exhales a short laugh, her expression softening into an awkward grin. "But, uh... I get it, I guess? You’re just being playful. Just don’t sneak up on me like that too much, okay? I’m kinda jumpy sometimes!"
As Stardust begins explaining The Void, Chie’s head tilts, her brows knitting together in a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Wait, wait, hold up!" she interrupts, her hand raised slightly. "So, this place... it’s real but not real-real? Like, it’s not a dream, but it’s also not reality? Ugh, my head’s already spinning." She groans, throwing her hands up dramatically before resting them on her hips. "Y’know, I’ve dealt with a lot of weird stuff, like, seriously weird stuff, but this? This is on a whole other level." Her eyes dart around the space, her mouth slightly agape as if still trying to wrap her head around it. "It’s like the Midnight Channel but cranked up to eleven. Guess I should’ve known I wasn’t done with crazy places."
When Stardust asks about her arrival, Chie scratches the back of her neck, her expression growing a bit sheepish. "Uh... well, funny you should ask," she starts, her tone tinged with embarrassment. "I was kind of dozing off. I’d just finished a crazy training session, and I was lying on the dojo floor, totally wiped out. I was thinking about how Yukiko would probably scold me for not cleaning up first." She snickers, shaking her head fondly. "Next thing I know, bam! I’m here. Like, out of nowhere. No warning, no nothing."
Her eyes narrow slightly as she looks back at Stardust, her hands tightening into fists. "So, if this isn’t a dream, then I guess I got pulled into another dimension or something? Wouldn’t be the first time, but still..." She exhales, her grin returning, though there’s a determined spark in her eyes now. "Guess I’ll have to stay on my toes. So... uh, Stardust, if this place is as strange as it sounds, you got any tips for sticking around and, uh, not getting into trouble? ‘Cause I’ve got a feeling I’m gonna need ‘em!"
What a chatty thing she is! It's always amusing to meet someone like her. The one with the mouth that goes a mile a minute as the brain struggles to catch up. Chie has Stardust chuckling fondly. She is also extremely intrigued.
Talkers tend to mention things in their life as if everyone else knows about them, too. Not a bad thing, it just has Stardust's curiosity growing without end. The poor girl has questions and needs that are much more important to answer-- but Chie has Stardust practically buzzing with interest!
Chie mentions training at a dojo. What sort of dojo? What does the girl practice? Who is Yukiko? A friend, no doubt. The mature, stable one that keeps this girl in line? Makes sense. Out of all these little things, one stands out the most. How could it not, with a name like The Midnight Channel?
The vivid blue and gold of her eyes start to glaze over. She's getting lost in her own head again, spiraling down into contemplation. It's Chie's sudden cry of determination that breaks Stardust from her bubble.
"Yes, yes... what? Sorry--" a quick shake to clear the mind, and she's back on track. "Another dimension, yes, you could say... oh, but you're not in any trouble here! No, no, quite the opposite. The Void, you see, can create anything you'd like. Whatever makes you happiest. Your greatest wishes and desires! That said, Chie, is there something you'd like to see? Somewhere you'd like to go?"
Stardust is staring bright eyed down at her new visitor. A curious person that she has many, many questions for. She can only hope to ask them all. Creating a place of comfort for the girl will hopefully open up such opportunities.
Talkers tend to mention things in their life as if everyone else knows about them, too. Not a bad thing, it just has Stardust's curiosity growing without end. The poor girl has questions and needs that are much more important to answer-- but Chie has Stardust practically buzzing with interest!
Chie mentions training at a dojo. What sort of dojo? What does the girl practice? Who is Yukiko? A friend, no doubt. The mature, stable one that keeps this girl in line? Makes sense. Out of all these little things, one stands out the most. How could it not, with a name like The Midnight Channel?
The vivid blue and gold of her eyes start to glaze over. She's getting lost in her own head again, spiraling down into contemplation. It's Chie's sudden cry of determination that breaks Stardust from her bubble.
"Yes, yes... what? Sorry--" a quick shake to clear the mind, and she's back on track. "Another dimension, yes, you could say... oh, but you're not in any trouble here! No, no, quite the opposite. The Void, you see, can create anything you'd like. Whatever makes you happiest. Your greatest wishes and desires! That said, Chie, is there something you'd like to see? Somewhere you'd like to go?"
Stardust is staring bright eyed down at her new visitor. A curious person that she has many, many questions for. She can only hope to ask them all. Creating a place of comfort for the girl will hopefully open up such opportunities.
Chie blinks, taken aback by the sudden shift in the air. The way Stardust speaks, with that gleam in her eyes and the way she mentions creating anything... it catches Chie off guard, but in a way that makes her feel a little giddy.
"Hold up! You mean anything?!" she exclaims, eyes wide with excitement, a grin spreading across her face. "Like... I could be anywhere? Do anything? That’s seriously wild!" She leans forward slightly, her mind racing as she thinks of the possibilities. "I could go anywhere, huh? So, what would I want...?" She taps her chin, the excitement bubbling up inside her.
"Well, first of all... a real nice bowl of ramen would be amazing right about now. Something spicy, with extra garlic. And, uh... maybe I could bring Yukiko along, so she can stop trying to make me eat all that fancy stuff I don’t even know how to pronounce." She chuckles, a little embarrassed by her simple desire. "Or maybe... oh, I know! A place to just relax and have fun with my friends. Somewhere we could all train together, like a dojo... but with, like, endless space. And maybe a nice view of the mountains."
She looks up at Stardust with an excited gleam in her eyes, her enthusiasm infectious. "But, you know what? If I’m being totally honest, I think it would be amazing if we could just... kick back. Take a break from everything, just for a little while, y’know? No Shadows, no monsters, just... us, hanging out, being normal." Her voice softens for a moment, a quiet, almost wistful edge creeping into her tone before her grin returns.
"Heh, I’m getting carried away, huh?" She stands a little taller, shaking off the momentary softness, and gives Stardust a confident look. "Anyway, while you’re at it," Chie continues with a grin, "I gotta know. What’s your story? Where’d you come from? You seem like you’ve been around for a while, huh? It’s like you get how weird everything is, but you don’t seem too fazed by it." She shrugs a bit, looking playful. "I’m just curious, you know? You’ve got that... vibe about you. So, what’s the deal? Got any cool adventures you wanna share?"
"Hold up! You mean anything?!" she exclaims, eyes wide with excitement, a grin spreading across her face. "Like... I could be anywhere? Do anything? That’s seriously wild!" She leans forward slightly, her mind racing as she thinks of the possibilities. "I could go anywhere, huh? So, what would I want...?" She taps her chin, the excitement bubbling up inside her.
"Well, first of all... a real nice bowl of ramen would be amazing right about now. Something spicy, with extra garlic. And, uh... maybe I could bring Yukiko along, so she can stop trying to make me eat all that fancy stuff I don’t even know how to pronounce." She chuckles, a little embarrassed by her simple desire. "Or maybe... oh, I know! A place to just relax and have fun with my friends. Somewhere we could all train together, like a dojo... but with, like, endless space. And maybe a nice view of the mountains."
She looks up at Stardust with an excited gleam in her eyes, her enthusiasm infectious. "But, you know what? If I’m being totally honest, I think it would be amazing if we could just... kick back. Take a break from everything, just for a little while, y’know? No Shadows, no monsters, just... us, hanging out, being normal." Her voice softens for a moment, a quiet, almost wistful edge creeping into her tone before her grin returns.
"Heh, I’m getting carried away, huh?" She stands a little taller, shaking off the momentary softness, and gives Stardust a confident look. "Anyway, while you’re at it," Chie continues with a grin, "I gotta know. What’s your story? Where’d you come from? You seem like you’ve been around for a while, huh? It’s like you get how weird everything is, but you don’t seem too fazed by it." She shrugs a bit, looking playful. "I’m just curious, you know? You’ve got that... vibe about you. So, what’s the deal? Got any cool adventures you wanna share?"
The immediate tumble of every thought out her mouth has Stardust's head spinning again. There's no getting a word in edge-wise. All she can do is smile politely and listen to every little thing the girl says.
Ramen. Well, that would be a tough one. Not impossible-- in fact, so long as Chie remains ignorant of The Voids limits, she shouldn't know the difference. Any food created, while unreal, should taste the way she imagines. If she can recall the flavor well enough, there should be no issue.
There's no time for that now, though, as Chie moves on to her next desire-- the company of her friends. Stardust's lips twitch upwards into a grimace that lasts hardly even a millisecond.
Nothing wrong with wanting her friends, and Stardust is very curious to know more about them. Making people, however, is a far different, more complicated feat than creating food. A person is complex. No matter how well Chie may know her friends, the versions that live in her head will never match. The illusion would easily break. Not to mention how hard it is to remember a face...
But Chie's not talking about making her friends. No, Stardust understands she wants them here. She is not in charge of who comes and goes-- that is The Voids want. Her friends coming here would be highly, highly unlikely. That percentage number would contain a lot of zeros in the negative direction.
Before Stardust has a chance to explain any of this, Chie has already moved on to a new thing. Her story. It's something she's explained so many times now to so many strangers. She knows she will tell it again, and again, and again-- it will be neverending. While Stardust admires the girls curiosity, telling her story is so tedious.
"I'm not... sure where I come from." Stardust's smile is ever so slightly strained. "This place is all I know. One day I woke up here and this has been... my life."
At least her story is short.
Stardust continues in a happier tone, "Oh, I've been on plenty adventures. The visitors I get always introduce me to such wonderful places and stories. While I could tell you them..." she leans forward then, smile broadening to show her teeth. "Wouldn't it be more exciting to make a new one?"
Ramen. Well, that would be a tough one. Not impossible-- in fact, so long as Chie remains ignorant of The Voids limits, she shouldn't know the difference. Any food created, while unreal, should taste the way she imagines. If she can recall the flavor well enough, there should be no issue.
There's no time for that now, though, as Chie moves on to her next desire-- the company of her friends. Stardust's lips twitch upwards into a grimace that lasts hardly even a millisecond.
Nothing wrong with wanting her friends, and Stardust is very curious to know more about them. Making people, however, is a far different, more complicated feat than creating food. A person is complex. No matter how well Chie may know her friends, the versions that live in her head will never match. The illusion would easily break. Not to mention how hard it is to remember a face...
But Chie's not talking about making her friends. No, Stardust understands she wants them here. She is not in charge of who comes and goes-- that is The Voids want. Her friends coming here would be highly, highly unlikely. That percentage number would contain a lot of zeros in the negative direction.
Before Stardust has a chance to explain any of this, Chie has already moved on to a new thing. Her story. It's something she's explained so many times now to so many strangers. She knows she will tell it again, and again, and again-- it will be neverending. While Stardust admires the girls curiosity, telling her story is so tedious.
"I'm not... sure where I come from." Stardust's smile is ever so slightly strained. "This place is all I know. One day I woke up here and this has been... my life."
At least her story is short.
Stardust continues in a happier tone, "Oh, I've been on plenty adventures. The visitors I get always introduce me to such wonderful places and stories. While I could tell you them..." she leans forward then, smile broadening to show her teeth. "Wouldn't it be more exciting to make a new one?"
Chie tilted her head slightly, intrigued by Stardust's words. "Huh," she murmured, her eyes narrowing playfully as she looked at the other. "Woke up here one day? Must’ve been wild, not having a clue where you came from. But, that just makes it all the more exciting, right? Starting fresh with a clean slate."
Chie’s eyes sparkled, her excitement practically radiating off her as she took in Stardust's words. Her heart raced a little faster at the thought of starting fresh, of stepping into a new adventure, with no limits to where they could go or what they could experience. It was a rush of adrenaline that only Chie could feel in her bones, the thrill of the unknown sending a spark of energy through her. Her gaze locked with Stardust’s, her grin widening as her voice grew more animated, more alive.
“Wait, hold on a second... you’re telling me we can just make our own story? No rules? No map to follow?!” Chie exclaimed, her eyes practically glowing with anticipation. She stood up slightly, bouncing on her toes, as though the very idea of it had her bursting with excitement. “That’s amazing! I mean, seriously! What’s the point of following a path that’s already been laid out when we can carve out our own, right?”
Chie’s eyes gleamed with a fierce determination as she leaned forward, her voice practically vibrating with excitement. “Okay, forget the ramen for a second... I’ve been thinking!” She waved her hands in the air, her excitement growing with every word. “You know what’d be amazing? A place where I can learn some hardcore Kung Fu! I’m talking about real, authentic training, like those martial arts masters you see in the movies!”
Her fists clenched as she spoke, her passion undeniable. “I want to learn everything, the deep techniques, the discipline, the focus... all of it! I want to feel like I can do those insane moves they always pull off in the films. Like jumping ten feet in the air, or taking down five guys with a single punch!” She grinned, her usual fiery spirit shining through. “It’s not just about getting stronger, though... it’s about really mastering it, y’know? The mental side of it, too. The balance, the inner peace... I wanna feel that!”
Chie leaned back, her hands on her hips as she glanced at Stardust with a spark in her eyes. “A place where I can train, get my butt kicked by some crazy tough masters, and then come out of there stronger than ever, that’s the kind of adventure I’m talking about!” She laughed, her tone lighthearted but filled with conviction. “You in for a little Kung Fu training?”
Chie’s eyes sparkled, her excitement practically radiating off her as she took in Stardust's words. Her heart raced a little faster at the thought of starting fresh, of stepping into a new adventure, with no limits to where they could go or what they could experience. It was a rush of adrenaline that only Chie could feel in her bones, the thrill of the unknown sending a spark of energy through her. Her gaze locked with Stardust’s, her grin widening as her voice grew more animated, more alive.
“Wait, hold on a second... you’re telling me we can just make our own story? No rules? No map to follow?!” Chie exclaimed, her eyes practically glowing with anticipation. She stood up slightly, bouncing on her toes, as though the very idea of it had her bursting with excitement. “That’s amazing! I mean, seriously! What’s the point of following a path that’s already been laid out when we can carve out our own, right?”
Chie’s eyes gleamed with a fierce determination as she leaned forward, her voice practically vibrating with excitement. “Okay, forget the ramen for a second... I’ve been thinking!” She waved her hands in the air, her excitement growing with every word. “You know what’d be amazing? A place where I can learn some hardcore Kung Fu! I’m talking about real, authentic training, like those martial arts masters you see in the movies!”
Her fists clenched as she spoke, her passion undeniable. “I want to learn everything, the deep techniques, the discipline, the focus... all of it! I want to feel like I can do those insane moves they always pull off in the films. Like jumping ten feet in the air, or taking down five guys with a single punch!” She grinned, her usual fiery spirit shining through. “It’s not just about getting stronger, though... it’s about really mastering it, y’know? The mental side of it, too. The balance, the inner peace... I wanna feel that!”
Chie leaned back, her hands on her hips as she glanced at Stardust with a spark in her eyes. “A place where I can train, get my butt kicked by some crazy tough masters, and then come out of there stronger than ever, that’s the kind of adventure I’m talking about!” She laughed, her tone lighthearted but filled with conviction. “You in for a little Kung Fu training?”
Chie's enthusiasm is contagious. The more she goes on, the wider Stardust's grin becomes. Lips pulled back to show off her shiny fangs. The expression on a dog would be a sign of aggression. Just because her features are animalistic doesn't mean she is-- the heart is undeniably human.
"That's exactly what I'm talking about!" Stardust ends up clapping her hands together. There's no echo, but it is loud. It's rare when Stardust feels such a rush. It's a welcome change of pace.
There's a moment of pause while Stardust skips around in the anti-gravity space. She's humming as she thinks, fingers to her chin. Images are flashing in her mind: martial arts masters, grand temples, serene mountains. She's never personally see any of these things. Yet, she knows exactly what to do.
Cracking her knuckles, Stardust then extends her arms outwards. Immediately the space around them begins to ripple. Slow at first, barely noticeable until it starts to shiver violently. It's all soundless, with no physical vibration at all despite the look of it. The ripples grow in speed right up until the point where everything seems still again, but then little tiles that seemingly weren't there before are flipping.
It all happens in a second. The backs of the flipping tiles are revealing a picture, like a puzzle. The presented scene has the two standing at the bottom of a grand staircase. It grows higher and higher, the white stone steps wide and lage and clean. It leads up to a tall gate; the beckoning entrance of the temples that certainly lie beyond.
The air is crisp. Sweet, mountain air with bird song and the subtle rustle of leaves. There's the sound of rushing water from somewhere far away, the boom a mere white noise from this distance.
To Chie, the scene should be set. Unless she looks for the seams, everything should be perfection, literally. It was made to match what she envisioned in her mind. It is what The Void is capable of.
With hooves on solid ground now, Stardust turns to face her guest proudly. She asks, "And how does this look? It should be everything you wanted and more!"
"That's exactly what I'm talking about!" Stardust ends up clapping her hands together. There's no echo, but it is loud. It's rare when Stardust feels such a rush. It's a welcome change of pace.
There's a moment of pause while Stardust skips around in the anti-gravity space. She's humming as she thinks, fingers to her chin. Images are flashing in her mind: martial arts masters, grand temples, serene mountains. She's never personally see any of these things. Yet, she knows exactly what to do.
Cracking her knuckles, Stardust then extends her arms outwards. Immediately the space around them begins to ripple. Slow at first, barely noticeable until it starts to shiver violently. It's all soundless, with no physical vibration at all despite the look of it. The ripples grow in speed right up until the point where everything seems still again, but then little tiles that seemingly weren't there before are flipping.
It all happens in a second. The backs of the flipping tiles are revealing a picture, like a puzzle. The presented scene has the two standing at the bottom of a grand staircase. It grows higher and higher, the white stone steps wide and lage and clean. It leads up to a tall gate; the beckoning entrance of the temples that certainly lie beyond.
The air is crisp. Sweet, mountain air with bird song and the subtle rustle of leaves. There's the sound of rushing water from somewhere far away, the boom a mere white noise from this distance.
To Chie, the scene should be set. Unless she looks for the seams, everything should be perfection, literally. It was made to match what she envisioned in her mind. It is what The Void is capable of.
With hooves on solid ground now, Stardust turns to face her guest proudly. She asks, "And how does this look? It should be everything you wanted and more!"
Chie’s eyes practically sparkled as she saw the scene come to life around her. Her grin grew wider and wider, her hands shooting up in the air with excitement as she let out an energetic laugh.
“Holy moly, Stardust! This is exactly what I was talking about!” she exclaimed, her voice full of sheer excitement. She practically bounced on her feet, her energy infectious. “I mean, look at this place! It’s like stepping into one of those kung fu movies! I’m so so ready for this!”
She took a few steps forward, practically dancing in place as she took in the grand staircase and the temple gates looming ahead. The crisp air filled her lungs, and she grinned even wider, the feeling of the moment making her chest swell with adrenaline. “This is the kind of place I’ve always dreamed of! A mountain temple, with all that fresh air, peaceful vibes, and, yes!, the perfect training ground!” Her eyes were wide with excitement as she looked back at Stardust, her fists clenched with determination. “I can already feel it! I’m gonna train so hard here, I’ll be able to take on anyone!”
She struck a mock fighting pose, punching the air in front of her, her movements quick and full of that signature fiery energy.
“Come on, Stardust! Let’s get started already! I’m not waiting around! This place is calling me! Heyaaah!”
Chie’s enthusiasm was absolutely palpable, her voice full of that stubborn, confident spirit she always carried with her. She didn’t care that it was an entirely new place—this was her kind of place, and she was ready to dive in headfirst.
“Holy moly, Stardust! This is exactly what I was talking about!” she exclaimed, her voice full of sheer excitement. She practically bounced on her feet, her energy infectious. “I mean, look at this place! It’s like stepping into one of those kung fu movies! I’m so so ready for this!”
She took a few steps forward, practically dancing in place as she took in the grand staircase and the temple gates looming ahead. The crisp air filled her lungs, and she grinned even wider, the feeling of the moment making her chest swell with adrenaline. “This is the kind of place I’ve always dreamed of! A mountain temple, with all that fresh air, peaceful vibes, and, yes!, the perfect training ground!” Her eyes were wide with excitement as she looked back at Stardust, her fists clenched with determination. “I can already feel it! I’m gonna train so hard here, I’ll be able to take on anyone!”
She struck a mock fighting pose, punching the air in front of her, her movements quick and full of that signature fiery energy.
“Come on, Stardust! Let’s get started already! I’m not waiting around! This place is calling me! Heyaaah!”
Chie’s enthusiasm was absolutely palpable, her voice full of that stubborn, confident spirit she always carried with her. She didn’t care that it was an entirely new place—this was her kind of place, and she was ready to dive in headfirst.
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