DISCLAIMER: The events that happens here is merely fiction and does not officiate with the true events that happened at Solaris 3. I try my best to write along rules of a world and have fun with them. Happy Reading!217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lZmKSP3tq
On one tea tang evening in Jinzhou, Rover is in his bath towels. Steam freshly provoking his wet skin as he only adds a tank top. His easy steps taking to the dinging door. Expecting to see the usual guard who flusters at his husky ‘hello’ but then it is someone familiar, “Sanhua–!! I, did not expect you. What brings you here? I didn’t to anything much” retreating his lower half,
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But Sanhua has already seen the Rover who greets a poor guard with such actions. “Pleasant evening Rover, I hope I am not disturbing anything.” Fishing out a piece of paper in his pocket.
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“Nothing, you aren’t disturbing anyone at all!” Noticing Sanuua fish out a piece of paper in her pocket. “What’s that?” eager to zip the subject
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“What do you think?”
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“Please don’t do this to me.”
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Sanhua chuckles, observing Rover’s flustered brows turning squeeezing his head against the doorframe.
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“A letter of invite for a girl’s birthday party.” She smiles warmly, “I am thinking whether it is alright for you to be there on my behalf. Just this once, Rover.”
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“B-but why?” Stuttering as if this is his first time wondering,
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“My lady wants to bring me and some of her staff to a foreign coast for three days. And our girl’s birthday here happens on the second…she is a special girl. I would really love to be present at her birthday but, I have to attend to my lady first. You do not need to think or say much during the occasion and I trust you for her."
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Rover takes the paper, his brows furrowing as he scans the details. "I'm flattered, Sanhua, but are you sure I'm the right person for this?"
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A faint smirk plays on Sanhua's lips. "I find those fit for the occasion."
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Rover sighs, running a hand through his damp hair. "Alright, I'll do it. For the girl's sake... and for you."
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Sanhua nods, her expression unreadable. "Excellent. I will provide you with the attire before I depart."
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“For me?”
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“Of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have preparations to make."
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As Sanhua turns to leave, Rover calls out, "Hey, Sanhua? Thanks... for trusting me with this."
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She pauses, glancing back over her shoulder. "Don't make me regret it, Rover."
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With that, Sanhua disappears down the hallway, leaving Rover clutching the invitation and wondering what he has just gotten himself into.
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Rover closes the door, lock it sure– in case he might embarass himself again. Looking down at the cursive writing, thinking how this is his first he is going for someone else’s birthday party, and first he heard Sanhua asked him for a favor. Pacing around the room with waist wrapped towel until it came loose and undone. “I’m eepy” yawning himself as his bum slumps down on the couch
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Bare himself fully as the vase on the coffee table before him basks in the glorious reflection. The lamp ceiling swaying and lull his eyelids to close. Softly breathing in and out. Sleeping and snoring until the moon passes and the sun rises. Birds chirping outside his window, greeting the rustling morning wood. Standing proud with its bark kissing the sunspots, its leaves swaying by a gentle breeze. Rover wakes thinking why he feels breezy. And he looks down, the invitation letter on the coffee table as well as the reason why he feels breezy. His proud sword is ready for today.
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“A new day, a new journey awaits!” Erecting himself and stretching sleepy muscles to wake. Clap clap, and a rainbow feathered parrot ‘cawk cawk’. Flapping its wings and snatching the nude man’s attention.
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“Invitation, invitation! Come, come to this address” It shakes its little feet for a small scrolled paper to roll out. Before flying out and away.
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Rover takes the paper and reads what seems to be an address. “Invited to Lilac Watertails’ 18th birthday party and 1st wedding anniversary…woah, that’s quite young. Hmmmm, what kind of gift should I bring?”
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Hanging the question as he wears his combat vest, pants, and boots. Checking over his quest log with the newly updated daily that he heads for Lollo logistics. Then walking out of the house and to the bustling morning streets where children share candies, some elders taking pictures, and a young man and woman jumping on the rooftops.
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Yangyang greets Rover with a wave before turning back to her midnight ranger associates. Disappointing, but she is doing her job. And it is not like Rover wants her to join him, no, not at all. He sighs, before finally taking the few steps of the Lollo logistics headquarters. A stiff shouldered employee is already outside and taking notes of the boxes laying around.
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“Good morning, Tang” Rover greets with a smile
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And the employee reflects back with wider and showy teeth. “Rover! Oh our savior! We have been waiting!” placing down his notes and rummaging in his pockets. “I think you are here for the herbal delivery to Deserock HIghlands right?”
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Deliver the herbs to Camp Overwatch. Rover nods, “Yes, that’s right.”
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“The package is over there, tied with a camo ribbon, and is already latched to a green backpack.”
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“You took my suggestion seriously?”
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“They never thought of it! Actually never, haha. And I owe my promotion to you Rover.”
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“Wait, no credits for me too?”
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“Hehe, no. But I can help you get more job.”
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That…well, it does not matter. Rover nods, “Sounds good, as long as I get asterites.”
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“Asterites? What’s that?”
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“Nothing” he goes to the open warehouse where other employees are staring at their notes, some hustling in latching backpacks to packages, and some saluting before heading out while wearing their signature duoli hats. A green backpack with a camo wrapping should be easy to find among the monochrome ones, but alas, heaps of crates and packages needed to be delivered makes him wonder why there are not many workers doing delivery.
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Most likely because of the TDs sure, but even so, customers are expecting for their promises to be delivered. And somehow, Rover now becomes one as he finally finds the backpack after twenty minutes of walking around a maze of crates. “Alrighty then” Wearing the backpack and grunting himself to stand up. Feeling the heavy pull down against his shoulders. He huffs, setting his thoughts on delivering the package before heading for the gate and out to Deserock Highlands.
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Unlike most days where TDs are running around like headless chickens, today is awfully sleep inducing. As if the fruity aroma of dew and fresh moist earth itself is a sleeping pill. Gentle rustling and steps, the terrain gradually changes from the greens to the arid yellow of the war torn highlands.
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Winding rocks around a dry dirt path. Spicy dust of both TD musk and iron keeps him awake. The package grows heavier with every step up the slope. Then, something growls at his side–a havoc dreadmane! Pouncing straight at him without notice—Block, does his sword against its bullet teeth. Sidestep, does he dodge from its air stifling claws. “Careful, careful” murmuring as he straps the backpack tighter.
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His blade pointing at the TD. Waiting, waiting, and when it decides to strike–counter! Sending the TD back with a horizontal slash and gash to its abdomen. Then going straight for the ki—--BANG– A bullet pierces its head, killing it instantly… what–and how— Whoever shot it is impressive, Rover cannot sense anyone else other than scurrying TDs and creatures. Absolutely clean, stealthy, and impressive. “Alright, back to work”
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Five minutes then turn to ten minutes later.
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Rover arrives at Camp Overwatch, the sun beating down on shriveled cheeks. “Aughhh….water…” Finding himself a bottle of refreshment first before he makes his way to a lady waving at him. He walks up to her, greeting, “Hi, are you Rowanna?”
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“Lollo delivery, as quick as ever. Yes, I am Rowanna. Thank you for delivering my package.”
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“It’s really heavy” Carefully placing the package onto the dry ground, wiping the sweat off his brow. “How’s camp Overwatch these days?”
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“Could’ve been better if not for the summer heat”
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“Must be really hot in those uniforms.”
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“Say for yourself.” She chuckles, “aren’t you grilling yourself being dressed in all black?”
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Suddenly, a piercing alarm splits the air - another TD outbreak. Rover springs into action, his combat instincts kicking in as he joins the fray to defend the camp. In the midst of the battle, his eye catches a glint on the ground - a ring, likely dropped by one of the TDs. He snatches it up, thinking it might make a suitable gift for the birthday party.
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“Well…It’s probably nearing sundown.” Looking up at the orange skies with the moonlight slowly piercing its white through the warmth. A cue sure enough for him to open up his handy fast travel map and send himself resonating and flying for a resonance nexus. His body threading out into frequencies before he blinks his eyes open, not feeling anything strange other than he is back in the city, just like that.
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Back at his house, Rover takes a moment to catch his breath before turning his attention to the formal attire Sanhua provided. He slips into the well-tailored suit, adjusting the tie and smoothing out any wrinkles. Checking his reflection in the mirror, he can't help but feel a touch of nervousness and strike a fuckboy smirk. He does not know why but his body wants to.
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Birthday parties aren't exactly his forte, but he's determined to make a good impression for Sanhua's sake. With a final deep breath, he pockets the ring and sets out for the venue, steeling himself for whatever the evening might bring.
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Night sets in and candles which the front yard of a house, with pink colored balloons are tied to the bamboo plants. A dozen bundles of formalities roaming around with merry smiles but some are suspiciously expressionless. Rover steps into a hustled cobble, his senses immediately overwhelmed by the sweetness of chocolate, vanilla, strawberries and other delights at the table. Soft murmurs mingle with the loud beat that makes this place feel like disco but lacking blinding lights. To his surprise, some of those expressionless have Tacet marks. But they do not seem resonators.
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“Ladies and Gentlemen, dear guests, lovely parents, and” the announcer steps onto a platform, his face being half that of a crownless mask or…a literal crownless, “Friends~ Thank you for being with us here tonight on this momentous occasion!
As the warm glow of celebration bathes this room, we gather not only to mark a birthday, but a milestone. Tonight, we celebrate the blossoming of a young woman, Lilac Watertails, who graces us with her presence as she steps into the vibrant world of adulthood at the age of eighteen!”
Pausing for applause
“But that’s not all! This very evening also marks a year of love and companionship for Lilac and Belborn Watertails. Their journey as a couple began a year ago, blossoming alongside Lilac’s personal growth. Let’s raise a toast to both of them for reaching these remarkable milestones!”
And everyone does so.
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“Now at this juncture, we present our gifts. That which we have earned and earnestly give in generosity to our beloved Lilac Watertails.”
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Rover watches, those who are well excited offer theirs first before the expressionless. One by one, presenting their carefully chosen gifts to the blue haired lady. She gladly accepts them, gesturing to each one for the gifts to be placed around her, with none being on her person.
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As the gift-giving continues, Rover's turn arrives. He approaches the birthday girl, lips slightly part open at the mist-covered eyes.
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“Lady Jihnsi…” she says but immediately corrects herself, “no…you have the same feeling as the magister but, different…who are you?”
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“Rover,” with a smile, offering the ring he found during the TD attack. “Lady Sanhua sent me on her behalf.”
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“I see, she must be busy…”She accepts it graciously, Rover takes another closer look at her features, and a startling realization dawns on him - Lilac is a half-discord. The subtle signs of her heritage are there, hidden beneath her human appearance. Rover's mind reels at the implications, but he manages to maintain his composure, not wanting to draw undue attention to his discovery.
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The party's tranquil atmosphere is shattered by the sudden arrival of an uninvited guest - a man who wastes no time in voicing his outrage at the mingling of humans and discords. "What is the meaning of this?" he bellows, his face twisted in disgust. "Humans and discords, together as if it's natural? It's an abomination!"
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His inflammatory words strike a chord with a particularly volatile discord, who steps forward with clenched fists. "Watch your tongue, human," the discord growls, "or I'll tear it out myself."
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The situation quickly escalates, with other discords and humans joining the fray, their voices rising in a cacophony of anger and accusation. Rover tenses, his hand instinctively reaching for a weapon he's not carrying. He scans the room, assessing the potential for violence and calculating his next move.
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Just as the confrontation reaches a tipping point, Lilac Watertails steps forward, her presence commanding the room's attention. "Enough!" she shouts, her voice cutting through the chaos like a knife. "This is my birthday, my celebration, and I will not have it ruined by small-minded bigotry."
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She turns to the uninvited guest, her eyes blazing with anger. "You," she says, pointing an accusing finger, "have no place here. Your intolerance and hatred are not welcome in this house, on this day, or ever."
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The man sputters, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "You can't speak to me like that!" he protests. "I'm only speaking the truth!"
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Lilac stands firm, unfazed by his blustering. "The only truth here is that you are a sad, pathetic man who cannot see beyond his own prejudices. Now, leave, before I have you thrown out."
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The man looks around, seeking support from the other partygoers, but finds only stony faces and hostile glares. Realizing he is outnumbered and outmatched, he turns on his heel and storms out, muttering curses under his breath.
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As the door slams behind him, Lilac takes a deep breath and addresses the room. "My friends," she says, her voice softening, "I apologize for that unpleasantness. Let us not allow one man's ignorance to spoil our evening. Tonight, we celebrate unity, friendship, and the bonds that bring us together, regardless of our origins."
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A murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd, and slowly, the party begins to resume its earlier convivial atmosphere. Rover relaxes, marveling at Lilac's poise and leadership. As the music starts up again and the guests return to their conversations, he can't help but feel a sense of admiration for the birthday girl and the values she embodies.
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With the drama behind them, Lilac takes Rover's hand and leads him to the dance floor. The music swells, and they begin to move in tandem, their steps perfectly synchronized. As they twirl and sway, the worries of the world fade away, replaced by the simple joy of the moment. Rover finds himself smiling, caught up in the infectious happiness that permeates the room. As the party winds down and the guests begin to disperse, He leaves the celebration with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of the world and the power of an open mind and heart.
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