Chapter Text
Only one person has been an Emanator of Nihility and survived. It was thought to be impossible, yet Acheron stands to this day as a Galaxy Ranger. It was a necessary oddity, until another Emanator rose - seemingly unaware of where she was or who she is. All she could remember is her name, Castorice. Her memories littered with holes, her blackened hands freezing and a scythe that has seen death.
She was not sure of her destiny nor where she was, all she could remember is Acheron finding her and aiding her back to health. As quickly as she had someone though, Acheron left; leaving the amnesic girl all alone in the vast galaxy. An aching familiarity came with the loneliness, as it tightened around Castorice’s heart; a suffocating feeling, something she pushed against as she began adventuring on her own.
Nothing and everything was familiar all at once and it made Castorice dizzy as she walked the world of Penacony. It was whirling with colors, there was no moment of silence for Castorice. It was overwhelming, and her long ears wiggled as they took in everything. She kept her hands in front, meticulous to not accidentally touch anything or anyone; she wasn’t sure why but it felt ingrained into her soul. Even when people accidentally bumped into her and nothing happening, still caused Castorice’s breath to hitch in her throat and do a double take in pure panic.
Nothing happened.
Of course nothing happened, why am I so fearful of physical touch?
Castorice cannot recall why she fears such a simple thing but she continues, and with her mindless wandering brought her to a little bar. It was like any other place in the Dreamscape but there was something in here that screamed at her to investigate. A loud, happy white haired man in the center competing with a resident in a drinking competition. He had a sun tattoo on his neck and shoulder, and it resonated with Castorice for some reason; and it seems the man caught her staring as he finishes his last drop of beer before slamming the mug down.
The competitor conceded, clearly drunk and the man laughed patting the drunk on the shoulder before excusing himself - clearly keeping Castorice in his line of sight. As for the lilac haired girl, she stood frozen, unsure what to do; her body screamed to run but her heart screamed to stay. Even before she could make a decision she was face to face with the man; a smile that shined brightly like the sun.
“Hey! You look oddly familiar! Have we met?” He asked, boisterous but gentle as he realized Castorice was flushed with panic, “woah hey, I am so sorry I did not mean to barrel at you - I just got excited because you just seemed like someone I’ve met before! I also noticed you were focused on my tattoo!” He assured and stretched his neck to give her a better look at the tattoo, partly obstructed by the choker he wore.
“I… I’m so sorry, I also felt.. a sense of familiarity.. I didn’t mean to be weird.” Castorice shook her hands embarrassed, causing the man to laugh, “No need to apologize! We both have a sense so it’s not just you! I’m Khaslana by the way!” This man - Khaslana said as he slowly raised his hand before dropping it, “Ah sorry” it’s like he realized something before she did.
“What for?” Castorice asked as her ears lowered in confusion, “You are alright touching people right?”
There was a urge for Castorice to say no, but she bit it back and nodded, raising her own hand and allowing Khaslana to rest his hand in hers. He was hesitant before realizing nothing was happening and that caused him to get excited and pull her into a rib crushing hug. Castorice let a small squeak out from the suddenness of the hug and the unusual spark of sensation.
“Sorry! Again! I am a hugger and I felt you needed one! I should’ve asked for your name before that!” Khaslana pulled back apologetically and scratching his cheek. Castorice blinked at the sudden empty feeling of where he was against her body; it felt like hugging a younger brother. Did she even know how that felt?
“It’s ok… I am not sure if I am used to hugging, I do think I didn’t hate it though.” Castorice brain was spinning at the sensation, before realizing one other thing was amiss,”Ah.. my name is Castorice.”
“Castorice huh? That feels unique.. I swore I’ve heard that somewhere before.” Khaslana mumbled rubbing his chin, but the contorted look shared similarities to Castorice’s face as she has tried to remember things.
“Damn, I swear I know you.. I can’t recall how or from where.” Khaslana groaned as he rubbed his temples, “Anyways partner, want a drink? I’ll pay? You look like you need a friend and lucky for you I am an awesome friend.” He winked causing Castorice to giggle as she nodded. Being beckoned into the bar, they sat together and began talking.
Mostly about how both suffered from memory loss, but also about reading, Khaslana gushed about his sword skills and Castorice talked about her scythe. While neither remember where they got them from, they laughed over it. Time clocked away, and by the time both were feeling the effects of the alcohol, Khaslana grinned, “Hey give me your teleslate number.”
Teleslate?
A weird way to say phone, but Castorice nodded, “I have not heard anyone else call it Teleslate besides myself… Everyone looked at me weirdly for it.” She grabbed her teleslate and handed it to Khaslana who laughed, “Yea me too, force of habit… I think?” He finished typing his number in and handed it back to Castorice.
“Since we seem to be sharing a lot more than just drinks - If you ever need anything I am happy to help! Or just needing a friend!” Khaslana said. Castorice looked at the number for a minute, smiling as it’s only the second ever number in her teleslate - the first being Acheron. She quickly typed a message and sent it to Khaslana and when he checked he got a
Hi :)
“So you have mine as well!” Castorice smiled, happy at making a friend. They talked a bit longer before parting ways. Of course, Khaslana gave her another crushing hug and a pat on the head before leaving her on her own to the hotel and back to the bath to go back to reality.
Reality was much quieter; especially in her room. The stark contrast between dream and reality was breathtaking, and hard to wrap her head around. Castorice took a deep breath before closing her eyes, it’s been awhile since she has actually slept. She didn’t realize how tired she actually was as she was immediately out.
Castorice hovered over a man who trembled with fear. She grimaced at the sight, knowing what must be done. She gently raises her hand towards the man who cried.
“Please don’t, please!” He begged as he tried to crawl back away from her. His back hit the brick wall, and Castorice inched forward with an apologetic look. The man kept pleading for his life, getting on his hands and knees – but Castorice ignored them as she gently pressed her hand against his head. She closed her eyes as she felt the life fade away from the man and when she opened them again only saw emptiness in his own eyes before his body dropped limp.
“These hands...” She whispered to herself holding her hands to her chest.
With a gasp, Castorice sprung straight up, drenched in sweat and clenching her chest. A horrible nightmare, right? Castorice kept her hand to her chest as she forces herself to properly breath again; it felt too real to be a dream. It WAS too real to be a dream – more like a memory. Castorice gasped a bit more finally being able to regulate herself, and when she finally relaxed enough to think straight she grabbed her teleslate.
Castorice: I am sorry to text at such a late hour, but are you awake?
Khaslana: Yes, is everything ok?
Castorice: No I fear not, can I come by your room?
Khaslana: Of course im in room 219.
Castorice: Thank you.