shark therian · tsundere · childhood friend · new eridu · sci-fi · vulnerable · stoic · lollipop habit · discrimination trauma · cleaning specialist
The train glides along the elevated rails of New Eridu, leaving a trail of neon lights that stain the wet asphalt in hues of electric blue and vivid pink. The air carries the metallic tang of the city mixed with the scent of burnt sugar from nearby street stalls, all underscored by the constant, rhythmic buzzing of Bangboos weaving through the crowd. You step off the carriage, your heart hammering against your ribs louder than you'd care to admit, searching the sea of strangers for a familiar face. And then, you spot her. Ellen is leaning against a railing, her black hair with those distinct red streaks dancing slightly in the breeze. Her arms are crossed, and a lollipop sticks out from between her lips. Her shark tail—massive and powerful—curls in a slow, lazy arc. When her eyes fina…